Politicians and advocates reacted with outrage, anger and despair on Thursday after yet another mass shooting, with at least 16 people killed and many injured at a bowling alley and restaurant in Lewiston, Maine.
A gunman, who on Thursday morning was still at large, opened fire on Wednesday evening in the city in southern Maine, about an hour outside Portland. Police issued a shelter-in-place order and named a person of interest.
In Washington, Joe Biden ordered that the US flag should fly at half-staff at the White House and other federal buildings “as a mark of respect for the victims” in Lewiston, according to a White House proclamation.
In Maine, the governor, Janet Mills, urged residents to follow instructions from law enforcement officials and said she would “continue to monitor the situation and remain in close contact with public safety officials”.
The independent Maine senator Angus King, who caucuses with Democrats, shared his sadness in a statement posted to social media.
“Senator King is deeply sad for the city of Lewiston and all those worried about their family, friends and neighbors,” the statement said. King also expressed “deep appreciation” to the president and said he would head back to Maine following a Senate vote on Thursday.
The other Maine senator, the Republican Susan Collins, thanked those who had shown support, including Biden.
“As our state mourns this horrific mass shooting, we appreciate the support we’ve received from across the country, including the call I received from President Biden offering assistance,” Collins said.
Collins drew stark criticism, however, regarding her previous support for relaxed gun control laws.
“Until you vote yes on sensible gun laws just be quiet,” wrote one user of X, the platform formerly known as Twitter.
“It’s the God Damned GUNS, Susan,” said another. “Shove your thoughts and prayers and write the legislation to change our gun laws.”
Democrats emphasised the need for gun control reform.
“Weapons of war have no place on America’s streets. How many more gun deaths must we suffer before this country comes to its senses?” the New York governor, Kathy Hochul, said.
The California governor, Gavin Newsom, denounced Republicans in Maine who rejected a gun control mandate that would require a 72-hour waiting period before buying a firearm.
“Republicans in Maine rejected a bill this year that would have required a waiting period for firearm purchases. They seriously could not fathom waiting 72 hours to buy a gun,” Newsom said, adding that Maine does not ban assault weapons, require permits, or require background checks for firearm sales.
“Our hearts are heavy tonight. We need immediate action – we cannot sit around and wait for Congress,” Newsom said.
Gun reform advocacy groups demanded stricter gun control laws and criticized “unfettered” access to firearms. Everytown for Gun Safety, a non-profit, said: “How many more people are we willing to sacrifice in exchange for unfettered access to guns? Gun violence is preventable – NOT inevitable.”
Moms Demand Action, another advocacy group, said: “Our hearts are with the Lewiston community and all those impacted by yet another horrific act of mass gun violence in America.”
But Republicans largely called only for thoughts and prayers.
The former president and current GOP presidential frontrunner Donald Trump said: “A terrible situation going on in Maine. At least 22 dead. It just seems to never end for the USA!” He then proceeded to post about other subjects.
The far-right, pro-Trump Colorado representative Lauren Boebert said she was “sending prayers” to “Lewistown”, misspelling the name of the Maine city.
