Police have upped their use of Maine’s ‘yellow flag’ law since the state’s deadliest mass shooting

PORTLAND, Maine — There has been a huge jump in law enforcement requests for Maine courts to allow guns to be seized from people deemed a danger to themselves or others since the deadliest mass shooting in state history, the governor said Friday. “It is clear that, following last year’s tragedy, more and more law enforcement officers across the state are taking this law seriously, have taken state-provided training on its use, and are now using it on a daily basis to remove firearms from those who should not have them,” Mills said. Mills’ news conference came hours after the state police released a report that outlines the lessons learned following the Oct. 25, 2023, mass shooting and makes multiple recommendations for improvements in tactical response, incident management, training and other areas. One of the report’s primary recommendations is that the state police incorporate new active-shooter training “for a more coordinated response during significant incidents and/or mass casualty incidents.” The shooting took place at a bowling alley and a bar and grille.