Gun Rights Groups Sue Maine Over 72-Hour Waiting Period

Gun rights groups filed a lawsuit against the state of Maine on Tuesday over its recently passed law requiring a 72-hour waiting period to purchase firearms.

The coalition claims the waiting period is unconstitutional and is requesting a pause on the enforcement of the law until the outcome of the case is determined.

"As evidenced by the other gun rights legal proceedings that have transpired across the country, we felt it was important to make sure that the filing of this legal challenge is complete and without any room for error."

According to the complaint, the waiting period doesn't align with the time it takes to conduct background checks but instead "forces law-abiding citizens to wait 72 hours to acquire a firearm even if they pass the requisite background check in a matter of minutes, which most people do."

"The law is instead just an unadorned effort to delay the exercise of Second Amendment rights, on the theory that people who seek to acquire firearms are likely animated by murderous or suicidal intentions that may subside if they are forced to wait out a three-day 'cooling-off period,'" the lawsuit states.

The shooter, who was later found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, was reported to have a history of mental illness, which prompted lawmakers to push for stricter gun regulations.

State Democrat Rep. Peggy Rotundo, who sponsored the legislation, said she believes the requirement for people to have to wait before purchasing a firearm "will save lives and many families."

Nacole Palmer, who heads the Maine Gun Safety Coalition, said the lawsuit came as no surprise but it is nonetheless "disappointing that the gun lobby is moving forward with challenging a law that will save Mainers' lives and is supported by a wealth of evidence."

Attorney General Aaron Frey—listed as a defendant in the lawsuit—didn't respond to The Epoch Times' request for comment by publication.