A week and a half ago, over 30 Maine school districts were closed. So were several banks, grocery stores, gas stations, and other businesses. The roads were empty, much like on Christmas.

But it wasn’t a holiday, because L.L. Bean in Freeport was closed too, and everyone knows Bean is open 24/7, year-round.

On Oct. 25, at around 7 p.m., a gunman opened fire at a bowling alley and then a bar in Lewiston, killing 18 people. Though the stay-at-home order wasn’t issued for the entire state, it might well have been. Authorities worked around the clock to locate and capture the suspect and it seemed Maine was closed for business. For 48 hours, we were all in shock, held our breaths, and prayed the nightmare would end. The gunman was found dead, and together we sighed in relief.

Already at Gov. Mills’ first press briefing, she spoke of seeking justice for the victims and their families. And now we must ask ourselves how we will deliver on that.

The nation is now learning what we already know: Maine is one, big, small town. It’s a big state where everybody knows everybody. And we protect our own. Our protective nature was on full display during the press conference the night of the shootings. It was so short that reporters were dumbfounded. To us, it made sense. There wasn’t much information to give, and too much information could have compromised the investigation. What was the point of lingering? No one needed their 15 minutes of fame; first responders had jobs to do.

To fill time, reporters reminded everyone of Maine’s long-standing tradition of gun ownership. Outsiders give us sideways glances when they realize how many of us own guns, but most of us would emphasize “responsible gun ownership.” In fact, Maine has continued to be ranked the safest state in the country. Then how is it that the nation’s deadliest mass shooting of 2023 happened in Lewiston, Maine?

Make no mistake, this is just one of many questions that must be answered. Because it shouldn’t have happened. The gunman struggled with mental illness. He sought treatment. His family, friends, and the U.S. Army Reserve contacted the sheriff’s office with mental health concerns. One statement from a soldier even mentioned the possibility of a mass shooting. Deputies attempted to check in on him but were unable to contact him.

So, it’s good that reporters keep asking tough questions, because this is mind-boggling. Gov. Mills has ordered an independent commission to investigate the shooting and how it was handled. She wants answers too, and claims transparency is required. We all want answers. But what Mills seems unwilling to commit to is tougher gun laws to prevent this from happening again.

Because here’s the thing: That’s what it’s going to take. Every nation in the world has people with mental health problems. The United States doesn’t have more problems than any other nation. However, what we do have is an exceptionally high number of mass shootings. The United States has more mass shootings than any other nation in the world. What we also have is ridiculously easy access to guns.

Shame on every Maine lawmaker who hasn’t made this their No. 1 priority. Gov. Mills has been hesitant to sign gun control legislation. She touts the yellow flag gun bill as an accomplishment. Gun lobbyists loved it. How effective did the yellow flag law turn out to be leading up to Lewiston?

We certainly can’t wait for Washington to help us. Rep. Pingree supports banning assault weapons. Sen. King is working on new legislation. Rep. Golden has reversed his opposition to assault weapon bans. And Sen. Collins continues to discuss the complexity of the issue but offers, as usual, no solutions. Even if the four of them could agree, Washington wouldn’t.

This isn’t a matter of an independent commission. Or a “robust discussion.” They’re just going to tell us what we already know. People can own guns responsibly. And people can use guns irresponsibly. It’s not our job to stop people from hunting. Ultimately, it is our job to prevent people from hunting people — like the person who hunted 18 of our brothers and sisters in Lewiston.

I’m sure the victims’ families do want justice. Not thoughts and prayers. I imagine action and meaningful legislation that prevents another shooting would go a long way toward finding it.

Maine must lead.

Maybe others will follow our lead, because as we know, “As Maine goes, so goes the nation.”