Gov. Janet Mills’ administration closes Kittery Trading Post, a leading firearms retailer, using emergency powers

KITTERY, ME – The Maine Department of Economic and Community Development ordered Kittery Trading Post, one of Maine’s premier outfitters and firearms retailers, SeacoastOnline.com is reporting. The closing was forced into effect by using the Governor’s emergency powers to classify the store as “non-essential.”

According to the report, the store was ordered closed at 3pm today. In addition to selling firearms, Kittery Trading Post sells a wide variety of items, many which could be considered “essential” for many Mainers.

Under an executive order declaring a state of civil emergency, Governor Janet Mills gave her administration the power to close any business it deemed non-essential. Seacoast Online reports that those emergency powers were used to close Kittery Trading Post.

The National Rifle Association immediately blasted the decision by Gov. Mills to close Kittery Trading Post, saying the state’s decision effectively says all firearms retailers have to close and that it limits the right and ability of Mainers to protect themselves.

“Please act now and call on Governor Mills to correct this egregious error and make firearm dealers essential businesses. It is extremely unfortunate that in these uncertain times, an elected official would limit the ability of law-abiding citizens to exercise our inherent right to self-defense. Firearm dealers are essential to exercising this right!” says the statement from the National Rifle Association.

Yesterday, Kittery Trading Post offered an extensive list of actions they have taken to enhance safety in their stores, including limiting the number of people in the building at one time, contactless curbside pick-up, enhanced cleaning and reduced hours and many more.

The police chief for the town of Kittery also confirmed he had received an order from Maine Attorney General Aaron Frey that Kittery Trading Post be closed.

Kittery Trading Post said it had also increased the pay for all employees by $3 per hour during the State of Civil Emergency.

Read the full article at SeacoastOnline.com by clicking here.