There was a deadly mass shooting that turned into a new gun law. Maine voters approved a new red flag gun law two years after the October 2023 mass shooting in Lewiston that killed 18 people and injured 13 others. The tragedy. The deadliest shooting in state history exposed weaknesses in Maine’s existing “ yellow flag” law and pushed many voters to support stronger gun safety measures. The red flag law was officially passed in November 2025. It is designed to temporarily remove firearms from individuals who pose a danger to themselves or others.
Under the new law, family members or police officers can directly petition a court for an Extreme Risk Protection Order. If a judge determines that an individual presents a “ substantial risk” of harm, firearms can be temporarily taken away, and the person will be prohibited from purchasing new ones. According to PBS, the measure reached the ballot through a citizen initiated process after years of legislative attempts at stricter gun laws failed to pass. The law is expected to take effect in early 2026 once the election results are certified and the governor issues a formal proclamation, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.
There are both similarities and differences between the red flag law and Maine’s existing yellow flag law. Both aim to prevent suicide and interpersonal violence by temporarily restricting acesses to firearms for people in crisis, according to Everytown Research and Policy. Both laws require a determination that an individual poses a “ substantial risk” of harm based on recent behavior. However, under the yellow flag law, law enforcement must first take the individual into protective custody and arrange for a mental health evaluation before firearms can be removed.
The New York Times reported that both supporters and opponents of the new law ran strong campaigns, especially given Maine’s long hunting tradition and one of the highest gun – ownership rates in the country. While some residents view the law as an important public safety measure, others worry about due process rights and potential misuse of the system.
Local law enforcement officials, such as Cumberland County Sheriff Kevin Joyce, told Maine residents that the law provides “ another tool that can save lives,” though they emphasized that clear guidelines will be important to ensure fairness and proper use.
As Maine prepares for the law to take effect in 2026, citizens, law enforcement, and the courts will all need to adapt to this significant change in the state’s approach to gun safety.
