HSDA Gun Violence Prevention Caucus Statement on Mass Shooting in Maine

On Wednesday, October 25th, a gunman opened fire on a bowling alley and restaurant in Lewiston, Maine. Police later identified Robert Card as the prime suspect. With the prime suspect still at large, Lewsiton police and surrounding agencies have issued shelter-in-place orders for their communities.*

This tragedy further underscores the need for common-sese gun reform. The Gun Violence Prevention Task Force calls upon HSDA members in the area to contact their local representatives and encourage them to support new legislation to curb the rapid spread of gun violence in our schools and businesses. Gun violence is an issue that affects all communities, not just urban areas. Rural counties had a 37% higher rate of gun deaths as opposed to their urban counterparts from 2011-2020. Our thoughts o out to the people of Maine and all affected by this tragic loss of life.

*Editors Note: This information is now no longer true but the TPT reproduced it to maintain the statement’s original language