Federal Appeals Court Keeps Maine's Gun Purchase Waiting Period on Hold

The U.S. 1st Circuit Court of Appeals has decided to keep Maine's 72-hour waiting period for gun purchases on hold, continuing a legal battle over the law. This decision follows a lawsuit from gun rights advocates who argue that the law infringes on Second Amendment rights. State lawmakers enacted the waiting period following a mass shooting in Lewiston in October 2023, with the intent to reduce impulsive gun-related actions. The judges noted that the case involves a new area of constitutional law with complex interpretations, making it difficult to apply a clear legal standard at this time. Attorney General Aaron Frey argues that the law is crucial for saving lives, but the court was not persuaded that the state demonstrated a strong likelihood of success in overturning the injunction. The state had requested the law be temporarily reinstated while an appeal is considered, but this request was denied, leaving the injunction in place.