Portland mayor, chief to fight assault weapons | News

PORTLAND, Maine (AP) - A month after the school shootings in Connecticut, Portland Mayor Michael Brennan and Police Chief Michael Sauschuck are joining a call for stricter gun control laws.

Portland leaders joined Monday in a national effort that includes release of a new television ad by "Mayors Against Illegal Guns" that will air in Maine and other states; you can preview it at DemandAPlan.org.

The campaign is seeking criminal background checks on all gun sales, including private sales and sales at gun shows. They're also seeking to renew a national ban on the sale of assault-style rifles and high-capacity magazines, and to make gun-trafficking a federal crime.

Brennan said honoring the memory of the victims in Newtown, Conn., means more than mourning their loss. He said action is required to protect others from assault weapons.

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