Yesterday, August 5th, 2026, our team experienced a tragic incident at our facility where a customer sustained a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with the individual’s family, friends, and all those affected by this loss. We respectfully ask our community to honor their privacy during this incredibly difficult time.
In our 47-year history, this is the first incident of its kind to occur at our facility. We extend our sincere gratitude to the Sheriff’s Department, The Trauma Intervention Specialists, Gray Fire Rescue Department, New Gloucester Fire & Rescue, the Windham Police Department, EMS personnel, and all of the first responders who responded with professionalism, compassion, and care. Their dedication, expertise, and service during an extraordinarily difficult situation are deeply appreciated.
We are also incredibly proud of our staff, who responded with calm professionalism, compassion, and respect while following their emergency training. Their focus remained on protecting our customers, assisting first responders, and treating everyone involved with dignity throughout the incident.
Out of respect for the individual, their family, and the ongoing process, we will not be providing additional details or commenting further on the circumstances surrounding this incident.
While we cannot change what occurred, we hope this tragedy serves as a reminder of the importance of looking out for one another. Mental health challenges are often invisible, and a simple conversation, a phone call, or asking someone how they are doing can make a meaningful difference. If someone you know is struggling, encourage them to seek help and remind them they do not have to face difficult moments alone.
For members of the firearms community, organizations like Walk the Talk America (WTTA) are helping bridge the gap between responsible firearm ownership and mental health awareness. WTTA connects firearm owners, instructors, retailers, and ranges with trusted mental health resources while encouraging conversations that reduce stigma and promote early intervention. Their work reflects an important message: seeking help is a sign of strength, and responsible firearm ownership includes looking after ourselves and one another.
If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available. In Maine, the Maine Crisis Line can be reached by calling or texting 988, where trained counselors are available 24 hours a day. Veterans can reach the Veterans Crisis Line by dialing 988 and pressing 1, texting 838255, or visiting VeteransCrisisLine.net. Additional firearm-specific mental health resources are available through Walk the Talk America at WalkTheTalkAmerica.org.
As part of our ongoing commitment to responsible firearm ownership and safety, our facility has long maintained policies designed to reduce risk, including not renting firearms to individuals who arrive alone, requiring a safety brief before entering the range, and offering voluntary short- and long-term firearm storage for customers who may wish to temporarily store their firearms during periods of personal hardship or transition. We encourage anyone facing personal challenges to reach out early to trusted family members, friends, healthcare professionals, or local support organizations before a crisis develops.
Our facility will resume normal business operations beginning today at 10:00 a.m. with the exception of today’s Gunslinger event which is canceled. We remain committed to providing a safe, professional, and welcoming environment for our customers and community. We will continue to support our staff, cooperate fully with the appropriate authorities, and uphold the dignity and respect owed to everyone affected by this tragedy.
Thank you to our customers, our community, and our public safety partners for your compassion, understanding, and support during this difficult time.
- Howell’s Gun Shop Management
