U.S. Rep. Jared Golden, (D-ME), announced that he was changing his policy against an assault rifle ban during a news conference with other Maine congressional leaders Thursday evening.
Golden was one of five Democratic House members who voted against a ban in 2022. Although the bill passed 217 -213, it did not move forward in the Senate.
Maine lawmaker changes his mind on gun ban
Rep. Jared Golden, who lives in Lewiston, Maine, said that in light of the recent mass shooting in his town he was changing his view on banning assault-style weapons.
ABCNews.comGolden said the shooting has made him change his stance and will now support any measures in Congress that ban assault weapons.
"I ask for forgiveness and support as I seek to put this end to these terrible shootings," he said.
Sen. Susan Collins, (R-ME), told reporters that although she wanted to see more gun control reforms, such as a ban on high-volume magazines, she did not support an assault rifle ban.
Although Collins said she didn't know the circumstances as to how the suspect, who has had reported mental health issues, was able to commit the shooting, she said more should have been done.
She cited the state's "yellow flag" law, which gives law enforcement the authority to request a court to remove firearms from someone who has mental health problems.
"It certainly seems that on the basis of the facts that we have, the yellow flag law should have been triggered," she said.