The BDN Opinion section operates independently and does not set news policies or contribute to reporting or editing articles elsewhere in the newspaper or on bangordailynews.com
The Rev. E. Scott Dow of Augusta is a Baptist minister and member of GIFFORDS Gun Owners for Safety.
It has been less than two years since our state was shaken by the tragic shooting in Lewiston where 18 Mainers died and 13 others were wounded — just 40 minutes south of where I live. Fifteen months later, families and survivors are still struggling, both emotionally and financially, to rebuild their lives after facing such unimaginable loss.
The Lewiston shooting made one thing painfully clear: More must be done to protect our communities from senseless acts of violence. Gun violence has left a mark on Maine, exposing the vulnerabilities that allow tragedies like Lewiston to happen in the first place. And while we can’t undo the past, we can — and must — demand action from our leaders to prevent future bloodshed.
As a gun owner myself, I recognize the importance of responsible firearm ownership. But I also recognize the glaring failures in how our country responds to gun violence. What we don’t need are leaders who ignore these failures, dodge accountability and prioritize political loyalty over public safety. That’s why I’m speaking out about Kash Patel’s nomination.
For many Americans, the appointment of federal agency leaders may seem like a distant concern — just another political fight in Washington. But don’t get too comfortable: The people we elect and confirm to office have a direct impact on our safety. Their decisions shape everything, from how law enforcement handles threats here at home to whether investigations into violent crimes get the scrutiny they deserve.
And here’s the harsh reality: a scary number of unqualified nominees are being fast-tracked into critical leadership positions, with serious, real-world consequences.
I believe Patel is one of the most dangerous among them and his record speaks for itself.
He has aligned himself with Jan. 6 rioters, then lied about it under oath. He spreads conspiracy theories about the 2020 election. He has cozied up to far-right extremists who push policies that make us less safe.
He’s promised to hunt down journalists who told the truth about Joe Biden winning the presidency, saying “We’re gonna come after the people in the media who lied about American citizens who helped Joe Biden rig the elections. We’re going to come after you whether it’s criminally or civilly, we’ll figure that out.” He even penned a trilogy of children’s books praising a “King Donald.”
I believe giving Patel unchecked power isn’t just reckless — it’s a direct threat to our safety. And for a state like Maine, still reeling from the trauma of gun violence, this should be one of our top concerns.
The FBI director plays a critical role in protecting the American public from serious threats, including mass shootings. This job oversees the federal background check system used for gun purchases, which demands someone with a commitment to justice and the rule of law. Yet, Patel is being considered for one of the nation’s top law enforcement positions. His confirmation would put our safety in the hands of someone who, to me, has shown no regard for truth, accountability or the well-being of everyday Americans like you and me.
Even more concerning, Patel is being advanced at a time when public safety efforts are already under attack. If confirmed, he would oversee investigations into mass shootings, including those like Lewiston. Can we really trust someone who I believe has a blatant disregard for facts and law enforcement integrity to carry out unbiased, thorough investigations that prioritize what our families really need? I don’t think so.