Firearms Policy Coalition is a no-compromise firebrand that routinely takes the fight to gun control activists. Their brand isn’t being politically correct, but for standing up to the forces that be who would disarm us if given even the slightest chance. Most recently, the Governor of Maine, Jabet Mills, tweeted a video of her proposing an ‘assault weapons’ ban for her state. The Firearms Policy Coalition, in their usual take-no-prisoners attitude, had a very simple response for Governor Mills.
“Hey @GovJanetMills, Three words: Fuck you. No.”
They tweeted the response on December 20th, 2023. Recently, an outlet known as the Maine Wire discovered that Governor Mills’ personnel had been forwarding these tweets to the State Police. The State Police provide the Governor’s security detail. The Maine Wire discovered this through a Freedom of Information Action request in July 2024.
While the Firearms Policy Coalition wasn’t exactly friendly, it wasn’t threatening anything. Its mission is a stalwart defense of civil liberties, and it fights via the courts. The FPC has never threatened anyone with physical or emotional harm. It might threaten and pursue court cases, but that’s the intended role of a group designed to protect civil liberties.
It’s disturbing and disgusting that the Governor’s staff would refer to any resistance to her policy as a threat. That’s despotic behavior. It appears to be a weaponization of law enforcement against a group dedicated to protecting Civil Liberties.
Firearms Policy Coalition Responds
Do we expect an organization like Firearms Policy Coalition not to respond? They did, quickly and decisively, after the Maine Wire broke the news. The Firearms Policy Coalition wrote a letter to Governor Mills, stating:
Dear Governor Mills and Secretary Bellows:
FPC is a human rights advocacy organization working to create a free world. We understand from a recent news report that State personnel forwarded our online communications to your State Police. Our approach may leave little to wonder. But please know that we take First Amendment-protected rights just as seriously as we do others.
You must surely be aware that our X post responding to Governor Mills’s discussion of an immoral ban on protected arms is clearly protected speech, as there is absolutely no uncertainty about the law regarding this form of speech. If not, some education is in order.
Naked authoritarianism, such as efforts to chill free speech, is not acceptable to FPC and our members. We strongly encourage you to learn more about protected speech and arms.
Best,
Brandon Combs President
P.S. We are sending a copy of this letter to your State Police Commissioner to save you the trouble this time.
cc: Michael J. Sauschuck, Commissioner
A Stalwart Defense
Credit goes to the Maine Wire for investigating and uncovering the situation. This is absolutely an affront to both the 1st and 2nd Amendment. In what world does an American have free speech if an elected official can intimidate them with a state police force? The Maine election doesn’t happen until 2026, but hopefully, the people of Maine take note of their Governor’s behavior and factor that into their election decision.
This is the United States of America. Our country holds our Constitution and rights close to our hearts. This flagrant abuse of power is disturbing and goes directly against our rights as American citizens.
