We often hear Maine is safe and free from gun violence. Our family and others know that’s inaccurate. As Mainers it’s time to open our minds to the reality of this threat to public health and ask if we’re doing enough to protect children and loved ones from preventable injuries and death. Before the recent mass shooting in Bowdoin, Maine had at least two mass shootings in the last decade, in Madison and Saco. Firearms obtained in Houlton fueled the deadliest mass shooting in Canada’s history, resulting in the loss of 22 lives.
Darien Richardson in 2006. Her murder in 2010 remains unsolved. Contributed family photo
On Jan. 8, 2010, the Portland home of our beloved daughter Darien was invaded. Armed intruders burst into her bedroom, opened fire and ran. That night she survived, a miracle by any standard, but she spent weeks in the hospital and faced a grueling future of physical and psychological pain recovering. Sadly, Darien died Feb. 28, 2010, from complications of her gunshot wounds. Darien’s death devastated us, our family and friends, but there was no public outcry and there were no vigils, no flags ordered at half staff. Just another victim of everyday gun violence.
Compounding this tragedy, Darien’s homicide continues to be unsolved in part because of a dangerous loophole in Maine law. Police recovered the gun in a separate murder, but the .45-caliber handgun that was linked to both shootings had been sold through a “private” sale. The Portland Police Department and federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives were able to pinpoint the original sale, through a licensed gun dealer, where the buyer was legally required to undergo a background check. But the gun was soon resold to someone the seller didn’t identify; no background check was done.
We became Darien’s voice, recounting what happened, calling attention to the impact of gun violence, advocating for victims and prevention. The easy access to guns and lack of accountability cause heartache that’s impossible to describe. Gun violence destroys lives, and the wounded victims and impacted survivors are neglected.
Reducing gun violence is multifaceted; however, gun safety laws top the list of preventative measures. Maine lacks those basic laws, including background checks for all gun sales and waiting periods. Hopefully, change is imminent. In early April, we testified in support of several gun safety bills, including Speaker Rachel Talbot Ross’ L.D. 168, to require criminal background checks for most private firearms sales.
A month later, News Center Maine reported that Gov. Mills held a private meeting to discuss gun legislation in the wake of the shooting in Bowdoin and included David Trahan, executive director of the Sportsman’s Alliance of Maine. (Why SAM, with 8,000 members, was afforded the privilege is intriguing.) Mr. Trahan suggested that lawmakers table the speaker’s bill, quote: “What I told the governor and the speaker is there’s plenty of time for the more controversial things like universal background checks or assault weapons bans.”
Background checks are not controversial. Licensed dealers are not permitted to make sales or facilitate those transfers without conducting one. We must hold private sellers to that same standard. Background checks are associated with reduced rates of gun homicide, suicide and gun trafficking. They are the backbone of any comprehensive gun violence prevention policy.
Most gun owners in Maine, like us, are responsible and law-abiding. Gun safety laws will not impede access to guns. Gun rights and gun violence prevention are not mutually exclusive. Let’s dispel the misconceptions regarding background checks; i.e.,“unenforceable,” “will create a registry” or “fear the government goes too far.” Many public safety laws created are not enforceable unless or until something happens. Federal law prohibits a gun registry. Hunters are required to have specific licenses for specific types of equipment (firearms, bow and arrow, etc.) and must register their game with the state, and sportsmen and sportswomen readily comply.
The person who shot Darien is getting away with murder and still at large. That is a public safety concern. We may never see justice for Darien, and nothing will bring back our spirited, loving daughter, with her infectious smile. But we know we can prevent more tragedies. It’s well past time that our great, safe state of Maine take some steps to resolve this public health and safety issue.
Friday was National Gun Violence Awareness Day, dedicated to honoring gun violence survivors. Please honor with action before it’s too late. Everyone believes they won’t be impacted by gun violence — until they are. Everyone believes it won’t happen in their town, school, mall or place of worship — until it does.
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