Gun violence has become a horrifying familiarity in the United States. In many cases, shock has given way to desensitization; news of such events has become less ‘breaking’ and more routine. Charlie Kirk, right-wing political activist and founder of Turning Point USA was fatally shot on Sept. 10. This assassination will no doubt spur more conversations regarding firearms and political agendas. Regardless of political affiliation, there is gun anxiety in America.
In 2024, there were 16,576 firearm deaths in the United States, excluding suicides, reported by The Trace, which is a website with the express purpose of reporting on the gun crisis. In the 254 days so far this year, there have been 356 mass shootings. According to the K-12 School Shooting Database, there have been 158 reported incidents of gun violence in American schools in 2025 alone. Of these incidents, 47 were school shootings, with 24 occurring on college campuses and 23 being K-12. Yet, while the media exploded over Kirk’s death, there was little coverage for the three Colorado high school students who were hospitalized as a result of a school shooting. Earlier on Sept. 9, two mass shootings occurred in California, resulting in one dead and three injured.
In April 2023, Charlie Kirk himself said during a Turning Point USA faith event:
“You will never live in a society where you have an armed citizenry, and you won’t have a single gun death. That is nonsense, it’s drivel. I think it is worth it. I think it is worth it to have a cost of, unfortunately, some gun deaths every single year so that we can have the Second Amendment to protect our other God-given rights.”
After Sept. 10, these words can be read in a sobering light. To some, this may echo as a powerful message that Kirk ultimately stood by. To others, it is a painful reignition of anger and hurt. These conversations should not need to wait for high-profile individuals to become victims of their own ideology. Whether the casualty is a student, a parent or a political figure, the cost is daily losses of human life.
Maine, ranked as one of the safest states in the union, is not without these qualms. We are coming up on two years since the anniversary of the Lewiston shooting. Homes, schools, and towns are not guaranteed safety from gun violence. For those here in our state struggling with gun anxiety, there are ongoing fights and nearby resources. In Maine, mental health resources are posted on the Department of Health and Human Services page. The page was created after the events of Lewiston and includes guides for coping with traumatic events for both adults and youth. There are resources for a range of demographics, including veterans, parents and students.
The “Yellow flag” law has been under particular scrutiny since the Lewiston shooting, although it has been controversially used since 2020. This law allows law enforcement to confiscate weapons from individuals with mental health diagnoses that pose risks to themselves or others. In 2024, this law was expanded to background checks for firearm purchases. It establishes a prevention program for violence under the Department of Health and Human Services, which provides funding for public health positions.
However, this law excludes important elements of gun safety. There are no mandatory firearm safety training programs or waiting periods/firearm registration required. In Maine, there is permitless carry, meaning that people can have concealed handguns in public, given they are 21 and over. Openly carrying firearms is legal for those 21 and over. Private sales, as well, do not require background checks. To read about Maine gun laws, click here
Ultimately, gun violence shatters lives. Whether it be mass shootings, suicides or assassinations, it paints a bleak picture for America. Kirk’s death highlights the widespread nature of this issue. Right here in Maine, there are steps that can be taken towards gun control and the healing. However, progress requires a collective willingness toward a common enemy rather than each other. Until then, the burden of gun anxiety will remain.
