NECPGV Opposes the Unregulated Open Carry of Guns in Public Places

(Portland, Maine) New England Coalition to Prevent Gun Violence (NECPGV) objects to the upcoming Open Carry event scheduled for Sunday, April 25th, at Portland’s Back Cove.  According to news reports 19-year-old Shane Belanger is calling for people to gather at the Back Cove with their holstered loaded firearms openly displayed. 

“They are trying to normalize abnormal, threatening behavior,” said Cathie Whittenburg, Director of NECPGV.  “It is not a good idea for untrained individuals to carry loaded weapons in public.”

Maine has no regulations on the open carrying of firearms.  There is no requirement to complete any gun safety training or obtain any kind of license or permit before being able to carry a loaded, openly displayed gun in public.

The open carrying of firearms in public places is inherently threatening and intimidating and poses risks to those nearby, to law enforcement and to the community.  If you see someone with a gun there is no way to determine whether or not they have criminal intent.  This can create a volatile and potentially dangerous situation.  

“Our community relies on the judgment and sophistication of the police, not an inexperienced teenager, to decide when and where it is appropriate to fire a gun in public,” said Whittenburg.  “The majority of Mainers choose to not own guns.  Families taking their children on outings have the right to be out in public without being confronted with the threatening presence of openly displayed loaded guns.” 

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