President Joe Biden made a poignant visit to Lewiston, Maine on Friday, where a mass shooting occurred last month, resulting in the loss of 18 lives and the injury of 13, making it the most deadly shooting in the history of the state.
Speaking about the tragedy, Biden emphasized the need for common-sense and responsible measures to protect communities. He stated, “Regardless of our politics, this is about protecting our freedom to go to public places without the fear of being shot and killed.”
Highlighting the nationwide impact of gun violence, Biden expressed his empathy for those affected by stating, “Too many Americans have experienced the trauma of gun violence, from places that never make the news. Jill and I have personally witnessed this in our visits to Buffalo, Uvalde, Monterey Park, Sandy Hook, and countless other communities across America.”
Prior to the visit, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre commented on Biden’s emotions, suggesting that he and the first lady have visited many communities torn apart by gun violence. She added that accepting such violence as normal is not an option.
President Joe Biden, accompanied by first lady , visited Schemengees Bar and Grille in Lewiston, Maine on November 3 to pay their respects.
Prior to his address, Biden and the first lady met with first responders and medical professionals working on the front lines of the shooting.
The shooter, Robert Card, was already known to authorities, raising questions about their response. Card, a U.S. Army reservist, had made threats towards fellow soldiers and had even mentioned a desire to carry out a mass shooting at a military base. He had been committed to a mental health facility for two weeks during the summer.
The Maine National Guard had also alerted law enforcement about Card’s behavior, expressing concerns over the potential for him to perpetrate a mass shooting. However, despite these warnings, the police did not utilize their authority under the state’s “yellow flag” law to confiscate Card’s firearms.
Senator Susan Collins, representing Maine, has called for law enforcement to be more proactive in utilizing the “yellow flag” law. She believes that given Card’s hospitalization for mental illness, his access to firearms should have been restricted according to the law.
