Additional Coverage:
- After mass shooting, bill would require Army to use state crisis laws to remove weapons (newsbreak.com)
Maine Lawmakers Seek Military Crisis Intervention
In the wake of a tragic mass shooting in Maine, Senator Susan Collins has introduced a bill to improve communication between the military and civilian law enforcement. The bill would require the Army to use state crisis intervention laws to disarm service members who pose a threat to themselves or others.
Missed Opportunities
The bill aims to address concerns that the Army failed to adequately share information about a gunman who opened fire in Lewiston, killing 18 and injuring 13. Despite being hospitalized for psychosis, the gunman still had access to privately owned weapons.
Red Flag Laws
The bill would require the military to participate in state crisis actions, such as red flag laws, which allow authorities to remove weapons from individuals experiencing mental health emergencies. This would bridge the gap in communication between the military and civilian law enforcement that could have prevented the tragedy.
Protecting Service Members and Communities
The bill’s co-sponsor, Senator Angus King, emphasizes the need to protect both service members and their communities. By closing communication gaps and providing the military with additional tools, the bill aims to prevent future tragedies.
Independent Investigation
An independent commission appointed by the governor is currently investigating the mass shooting, along with the Army Reserve and the Army Office of the Inspector General. Governor Janet Mills has called the tragedy a "colossal failure of human judgment."
State Response
Maine’s yellow flag law, which allows individuals to report concerns about mental health emergencies, has been used over 400 times since the Lewiston shooting. Governor Mills commends the proposed legislation, stating that it will equip the military with the tools to address dangerous situations and prevent violence.