Sen. Rotundo releases statement after U.S. Supreme Court declines to hear challenge to Maine’s gun purchase waiting period

AUGUSTA — On Monday, Oct. 19, the United States Supreme Court declined to hear an appeal looking to overturn Maine’s 72-hour waiting period for firearm purchases. Sponsored by Sen. Peggy Rotundo, D-Lewiston, in 2024, the lawis intended to protect against impulsive acts of violence like suicide and homicide by requiring a 72-hour cooling-off period between gun purchase and physical possession.

Sen. Rotundo released the following statement in response to the U.S. Supreme Court’s denial of the petition:

“There is nothing inevitable about the breadth of our loss in the face of gun violence in Maine and across the country. There are reasonable, actionable safety nets at our fingertips – and those safety nets can work alongside, rather than against, constitutional rights,” said Sen. Rotundo. “The 72-hour waiting period is one such protection I am deeply grateful to have established in the wake of the horrific mass shooting in Lewiston, putting lives above the convenience of immediate access to firearms. Though there remain legal challenges ahead, the Supreme Court’s decision not to take up this case represents a hopeful step toward lasting, successful enforcement of this critical gun safety measure in Maine communities.” 

In April, the First Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the 72-hour waiting period is likely constitutional, reversing a previous decision that blocked the enforcement of the law. Following the U.S. Supreme Court’s denial of gun rights groups’ petition to review the lower court’s ruling, the case will return to the U.S. District Court for the District of Maine for continued proceedings.