The Gun Policy Debate After Maine
Ask students: Who is Representative Jared Golden? What are gun laws like in Maine? How do these laws impact the availability of firearms?
New York Times columnist David Brooks and Washington Post associate editor Jonathan Capehart join Amna Nawaz to discuss the week in politics, including this week’s shooting in Maine that has put another spotlight on America’s gun violence epidemic and new House Speaker Mike Johnson.
UPDATE: Maine Gov. Janet Mills confirmed at a news conference Friday night (Oct. 27) that the suspect wanted for killing 18 people at a bowling alley and bar has been found dead in Lisbon, Maine. See article here.
Time marker: For the sake of time, you may want to choose one of the following pieces. Watch the video from the start to 4m:20s to learn about the Maine mass shooting. Watch the video from 4m:21s to End learn about the new speaker of the house.
Discussion Questions
- Who is Representative Jared Golden?
- What are gun laws like in Maine?
- How do these laws impact the availability of firearms?
- When did the recent mass shooting in Lewiston, Maine occur?
- Why has there been a lack of significant federal legislative action on gun control?
Focus Questions
How did the alleged shooter in Lewiston, Maine, manage to fall through the cracks despite having exhibited warning signs and being subject to a yellow flag law?
Media Literacy: How can news outlets report on tragedies correctly while still having respect to those involved?
Discuss with a friend, neighbor or classmate — why is the role of mental health being emphasized in relation to gun violence?
Check out this video from Student Reporting Labs on how gun violence has affected Philadelphia's youth.
Addressing Gun Violence
Find free K-12 lesson plans and resources for educators, school staff and community members on gun laws, the second amendment, government debates and obstacles, gun violence, and action tools.
Republished with permission from PBS NewsHour Classroom.
PBS NewsHour Classroom helps teachers and students identify the who, what, where and why-it-matters of the major national and international news stories.
