Northeast
Maine's Democrat governor wants to tackle gun control and mental health in wake of mass shooting
Maine’s governor rolled out legislation on Wednesday she said will prevent dangerous people from possessing weapons and strengthen mental health services to help prevent future tragedies like the Lewiston mass shooting that shook the state.
Gov. Janet Mills, a Democrat, called for the changes in January in a speech that came three months after an Army reservist killed 18 people in the worst mass shooting in the history of the state. The reservist had a history of mental illness and erratic behavior before the shootings.
DEMOCRAT MAINE GOVERNOR TOUTS LOCATION FOR A KEY WIND PORT, SEEKS TO LEAD IN OFFSHORE WIND ENERGY
Mills said there is broad support for the kind of changes in her proposals, which would also establish a violence-prevention program at the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention. The proposals would need to find support in a state with a higher percentage of gun ownership than most of the Northeast.
“They are practical, common-sense measures that are Maine-made and true to our culture and our longstanding traditions while meeting today’s needs. They represent meaningful progress, without trampling on anybody’s rights, and they will better protect public safety,” Mills said.
One of Mills’ proposals would strengthen the state’s extreme risk protection order law. Some law enforcement personnel have said the state’s yellow flag law made it difficult to remove shooter Robert Card’s weapons despite clear warning signs. Mills said her change would allow law enforcement to seek a protective custody warrant to take a dangerous person into custody to remove weapons.
Gov. Janet Mills speaks during a news conference in the aftermath of a mass shooting, in Lewiston, Maine, Friday, Oct. 27, 2023. Gov. Mills, a Democrat, rolled out legislation on Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2024, she said will prevent dangerous people from possessing weapons and strengthening mental health services to help prevent future tragedies like the Lewiston mass shooting that shook the state. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
Another proposal would extend the National Instant Criminal Background Check System to advertised, private sales of firearms. Still another would incentivize the checks for unadvertised, private sales.
The proposals would also establish a statewide network of crisis receiving centers so that a person suffering a mental health crisis could get care swiftly, Mills said.
The governor’s supplemental budget includes other proposals geared at crisis response and mental health. It also proposes to create a Maine mass violence care fund with $5 million to cover physical and mental health expenses connected to a mass violence event and not covered by insurance.
“Our community’s difficult healing process will continue long into the future, and this will provide folks with the support they need when they need it,” said Democratic Rep. Kristen Cloutier of Lewiston.
Card committed the shootings at a bowling alley and restaurant in Lewiston on Oct. 25. He was later found dead of a self-inflicted gunshot.
Card had been well known to law enforcement for months before the shootings, and a fellow reservist told an Army superior that Card was going to “snap and do a mass shooting.”
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GMC and their flagship Yukon brings all-around excellence with this week’s tester: the 2026 GMC Yukon Denali Ultimate
This cousin to the Chevrolet Tahoe provides all of the space, comfort, style and luxury anyone could want.
In 2026, the GM brand worked wonders on their existing fleet and added nice trim levels to keep the competition always thinking about what they’re doing next.
Our Glacier White Tricoat tester was flawless and completely destroys the competition in the American Luxury market.
Known for its high MSRP and resale values, the Yukon Denali Ultimate has a base price of $103K and is powered by a 6.2L ECOTEC3 V8 engine and 10-speed automatic transmission. With 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, our weeklong tester had a 8,400 pound towing capacity.
The Yukon Denali Ultimate had a slew of standard features including a 16.8-inch premium infotainment system, 24-inch wheels and a 15-inch head-up display. Upgrades include second-row captains seats, BOSE performance sound system with 22-speakers and Night Vision – all totaling an additional $7,090. Boasting a Woodland Mahogany interior, the Yukon Denali Ultimate is certainly classy for all consumers and exemplifies the American Luxury that GMC provides.
In Grasso’s Garage, the Flagship GMC Yukon Denali Ultimate is the real deal. It looks stellar, rides good, and has good values. Although pricey for most consumers, the usage in this category is second to none. I was able to fit six adults on our way to dinner and heard a ton of compliments on its comfort and style, in addition to its spaciousness.
The GMC Yukon has a long-lasting history in the fleet, and in my opinion, having the Denali Ultimate package added is just the way it has to be to experience its full offerings.
Grasso’s Garage is here for you! Looking for more auto reviews or are you in the market for a new car? Head to https://www.bostonherald.com/tag/automotive/. Also, for honest input, reach out to me directly: marc.grasso@bostonherald.com.
2026 GMC Yukon 4WD Denali Ultimate
MSRP: $103,900
MPG: 14 city / 18 highway / 16.2 as tested
As Tested: $113,785
Police are investigating a double homicide in the Frog Hollow section of Hartford, officials said.
According to officials, police were notified by citizens of a large fight that happened on Madison Street near Zion Cemetery just after 7 p.m. When officers got to the scene, they found a man in his 30s unresponsive and suffering from a stab wound.
The man was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
While at the scene, investigators learned that two others were taken to an area hospital via private car.
One of them was another man in his 30s suffering from a gunshot wound and was in critical condition. He was later pronounced dead. A 17-year-old was the second one taken to the hospital via private car, but his injuries were non-life-threatening, officials said.
According to officials at the scene, investigators do not believe the public is in danger and are reviewing surveillance footage in the area as part of the investigation.
Neither man has been identified by officials at this time.
No arrests have been made at this time, police said.
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