'We have to take action': Democrats implore Republicans to move on gun control after Maine shooting

WASHINGTON — While a community mourns in Lewiston, Maine, after a gunman opened fire in a bowling alley and bar Wednesday, Democratic lawmakers in Washington again called for passing stricter gun control legislation.

The Lewiston shooting left dozens injured and at least 18 people dead, marking the latest mass shooting in the nation.

Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have expressed their condolences to the families of the victims and for those injured. But some are urging their lawmakers to go further, saying Congress must work together to pass stricter gun control legislation like background checks, an assault weapons ban and red flag laws that prevent certain individuals who pose a threat from purchasing a firearm.

"Gun violence has shattered yet another American community," Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., posted on X, formerly Twitter, Thursday. "Congress and the Administration must act. We need to take common-sense steps to prevent gun violence and save lives."

'A dark day' for Maine

Maine Sen. Susan Collins, a Republican, called the shooting a "dark day for our state" on the Senate floor Thursday.

“Our hearts are so heavy today. This heinous attack, which has robbed the lives of at least 18 Mainers and injured so many more, is the worst mass shooting that we could ever imagine in our state," she said. Collins later traveled back to Maine in the aftermath of the shooting.

The Maine senator said she spoke with President Joe Biden Wednesday night and Thursday morning, as well as Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas and Attorney General Merrick Garland about a response to the rampage.

Sen. Angus King, I-Maine, joined the call with Biden, who he said offered federal assistance for resources in Maine. King also left Washington Thursday afternoon to return to the state.

On the Senate floor Thursday, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., called the shooting "senseless," and Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., said he was "devastated" by the news.

Other Democratic senators on Thursday referenced the shooting and avenues to address gun violence in America.

"I’m heartbroken for Maine. Another community shattered by gun violence. There is so much more we must do," Sen. Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich., posted on X.

"My heart breaks for the community in Lewiston, Maine and those who lost a loved one in the tragic mass shooting— my thoughts are with them during this overwhelmingly difficult time," Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., said. "We have to take action and stop this from happening in our country."

But many Republicans in the upper chamber, including McConnell, have long opposed gun regulations and other safety measures. And some GOP lawmakers have pushed to repeal bipartisan gun control legislation.

In the anguish of the shooting in Maine, few lawmakers put forth answers about how Republicans and Democrats could work together to channel their condolences into action.

'Our hearts break'

Democratic Maine Rep. Chellie Pingree urged Congress in a statement to USA TODAY to reinstate an assault weapon ban, bar high-capacity magazines, enact universal background checks, require safe gun storage and end immunity from liability for gun manufacturers.

“Today Mainers had to confront the awful reality that in America, no state or community is immune to gun violence," she said.

Pingree reiterated her call for gun control legislation on MSNBC Thursday.

"I don't know when this debate changes in Congress. I don't know how we move it forward with the Republican House that we have right now, but I don't think it's a time to back down," she said. "I think my constituents will be saying, 'What are you going to do about this and when are you going to have this conversation?'"

Democratic Maine Rep. Jared Golden, whose district includes Lewiston, also traveled back to his home state on Thursday. Golden said in a statement he offers his "deepest condolences to all of the families who have lost loved ones."

Newly-elected House Speaker Rep. Mike Johnson, R-La., called it a "dark time in America,"

"Prayer is appropriate in a time like this, that the evil can end and this senseless violence can stop," he told reporters on Capitol Hill Thursday.

But Democrats aren't optimistic about working with the new leader take on gun violence. Johnson has tried to expand gun rights during his tenure in Congress, and he opposed legislation passed last year that included measures on background checks and more.

Members of the House Gun Violence Prevention task force sent a letter to Johnson on Thursday urging the new House leader to address the gun violence crisis, according to a letter posted on X by Rep. Lloyd Doggett, D-Texas.

"We stand ready to work with you on legislation that will reduce gun violence and urge you to commit to putting gun violence prevention legislation on the floor as soon as possible," members of the task force wrote in the letter.

Push for stricter gun laws extend beyond Capitol

Biden, in a statement from the White House, urged Republicans in Congress to pass a bill banning assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, enacting universal background checks, requiring safe storage of guns and ending legal immunity for gun manufacturers.

Vice President Kamala Harris reiterated a similar statement, arguing that Congress also needs to pass red flag laws.

Former Arizona Rep. Gabby Giffords, who was injured in a shooting at an Arizona supermarket in 2011, also called for Congress to act to address gun violence in America.

"We do not have to accept these horrific acts of violence as routine, and we must never stop demanding that our leaders not only acknowledge this devastating problem, but take long overdue action to keep our children safe," she said in a statement.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Maine shooting: Democrats implore Republicans to move on gun control