PHX Reporter

Abe Hamadeh, a candidate for Arizona's 8th legislative district, has voiced his displeasure with Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes and her intention to propose Education Protection Orders as a form of gun control following a mass shooting in Maine. "A compromised election system along with a captured legal system has created this lawlessness. She’s illegitimate, she didn’t earn the votes of the people – she knows she can get away with anything.", said Hamadeh.

Mayes's agenda includes ensuring that guns do not fall into the hands of individuals who threaten schools and universities. "At a minimum we must be able to keep guns out of the hands of individuals who threaten our schools and universities," said Mayes according to a post on X platform. "Next session, I plan to propose legislation for Education Protection Orders that would do just that."

She also plans to implement 'red flag' laws that allow judges to confiscate guns from individuals whose behavior indicates they may pose risks if they have access to weapons. Mayes reportedly aims to expand these laws not only towards threatening individuals but also those living with them. Additional gun control measures are slated for discussion during the next legislative session as per AZ Free News.

This decision was prompted by the 36th mass killing incident in the United States this year where Robert Card, a 40-year-old U.S. Army reservist and firearms instructor legally acquired firearms and killed 18 people in Maine before taking his own life.

However, Republican lawmakers argue that 'red flag' laws may breach constitutional guidelines. Arizona State Senator Anthony Kern stated on X platform that if Mayes attempts this, it could lead to her impeachment proceedings.

Additionally, tensions have grown within Republican ranks due to a statement from Arizona House Democrats urging their counterparts to support gun safety reforms in response to the recent shooting as per a House Democrats press release.

Hamadeh previously contested for Arizona attorney general but lost narrowly to Mayes by 280 votes. He recently made another unsuccessful attempt at a new trial alleging election misconduct and claiming the presence of over 500 uncounted votes in Pinal County as per AZ Mirror.