NEWTOWN, Conn. – On Tuesday, a strong majority of voters in Maine approved establishing a statewide Extreme Risk Protection Order (ERPO) law. Also known as a “red flag” law, this will allow courts to temporarily separate people who are deemed at risk of harming themselves or others from their firearms.
In response, Lauren Levin, chief advocacy officer for the Sandy Hook Promise Action Fund issued the following statement:
“Voters have taken an important step to strengthen public safety in Maine, making schools, homes, and communities even safer for children. By empowering family members to make timely interventions when warning signs appear, this new law is a practical life-saving tool that is proven to reduce the risk of gun-related tragedies.
“Although Maine already had gun safety legislation in place, families previously had no legal way to temporarily separate loved ones from their firearms. With this new law, communities gain a tool to intervene earlier, helping to proactively prevent tragedies like the one that occurred in Lewiston in 2023. Mainers came together to address this challenge and set a powerful example of how grassroots’ voices and local partnerships can drive meaningful change.
“We celebrate Maine’s victory, prioritizing community safety and children’s lives over partisan politics.”
For more information about the warning signs of violence, resources for communities, and other proven violence-prevention programs, please visit sandyhookpromise.org.
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The Sandy Hook Promise Action Fund (SHPAF) is a 501(c)(4) nonprofit organization committed to protecting all children from gun violence in schools, homes, and communities. The SHP Action Fund advances a holistic policy platform that promotes gun safety, youth mental health, and violence prevention education. The organization works at the state and federal level to pass nonpartisan legislation through inclusive partnerships, diverse grassroots education, and community mobilization. It is part of Sandy Hook Promise, founded and led by several family members whose loved ones were killed in the tragic mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School on December 14, 2012.
Media Contact:
Claudia Montecinos | [email protected] | 203-304-9780 Ext. 336