Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey has long been a thorn in the side of the state's gun owners. As Attorney General, she unilaterally decided that the state's existing "assault weapon" ban was being construed too narrowly and imposed a new interpretation that resulted in a dramatic expansion of the gun ban law. As governor, Healey helped to enact a sweeping gun control package and even retroactively declared it to be an emergency, in order to keep the law in place after gun owners gathered enough signatures to try to repeal the law via a voter referendum.
Healey's animosity towards the right to keep and bear arms is hardly a secret, but it's still shocking that the governor has barely recognized the actions of an armed citizen who helped stop a mass shooting in Cambridge on Monday afternoon. As the Gun Owners Action League put it in a release, "Healey’s open bigotry against the entire 2A community once again takes center stage."
On Monday, May 11, 2026, yet another abject failure of the Massachusetts unconstitutional gun laws reared its ugly head. A previously convicted, and imprisoned, violent felon that was released from prison far too early went on a shooting rampage.
During the random attack on Memorial Drive in Cambridge a heroic armed citizen, lawfully licensed to carry firearms in Massachusetts, came to the aid of innocent bystanders along with a State Police officer. While protecting other citizens he engaged the would be killer and may have actually made the disabling shot.
“The fact that Governor Healey did not recognize the citizen hero that most likely saved lives is indicative of her open bigotry towards nearly ten percent of the Commonwealth’s population,” said Jim Wallace Executive Director of GOAL. “Her lack of recognition of a member of the Second Amendment community acting in a heroic manner categorically represents how marginalized our community has become. That Marine is a hero and should not be so blatantly dismissed by Healey. Massachusetts cannot have a Governor with this callous bigotry.”
“The public is fortunate that a licensed gun owner and former Marine was present and willing to act during this horrific incident," said Toby Leary Chairman of the Civil Rights Coalition. "While law enforcement officers responded courageously and professionally, reports indicate that an armed citizen also stepped in to help stop an armed suspect who was allegedly firing at innocent people on a busy roadway."
In Healey's official statement on the incident she praised the "extraordinary courage of the Massachusetts State Police, the Cambridge Police, and first responders who ran toward danger" to keep people safe, but it took several paragraphs for her to mention the retired Marine and concealed carry holder who was one of the first to engage the shooter.
“Yesterday, we saw once again the extraordinary courage and selflessness of the Massachusetts State Police, Cambridge Police, and our first responders. In the middle of a terrifying and chaotic situation on Memorial Drive, troopers and emergency personnel ran toward danger to protect innocent people, secure the scene and prevent further violence. Their quick actions and professionalism undoubtedly saved lives.
We are especially grateful for the heroism of the State Police trooper who put himself directly in harm’s way during the incident as officers worked to stop the threat and protect the public. I spoke with him last night, thanked him, and told him that his actions reflected the very best of law enforcement and public service under extraordinarily dangerous circumstances. This is a particularly poignant reminder as we lay to rest this week Trooper Kevin Trainor, who lost his life while heading toward danger to keep people safe.
I want to thank every law enforcement officer from the Cambridge Police Department, firefighter, EMT, dispatcher and first responder who answered the call yesterday and worked together to protect the people of Cambridge during an incredibly dangerous and fast-moving situation. I am equally grateful to the civilian who courageously stepped in to assist law enforcement during this terrifying incident, demonstrating extraordinary bravery in a moment of crisis. I have also spoken with him and expressed our deep gratitude.
Healey didn't outright ignore the actions of the armed citizen, but she certainly didn't show equal gratitude towards him, at least in her official statement. His actions are mentioned as more of an afterthought, even with her acknowledgement of his extraordinary bravery.
I doubt this armed citizen is looking for any accolades, to be honest. So far, he's maintained his anonymity, which is absolutely his right. What we know of his actions come from what he told investigators, as well as what one potential victim told local media.
Rachael Saveriano said she was trapped in her car as Brown walked toward her, waving his gun. A man later described as the Marine veteran helped her escape, she told The Boston Globe.
“It doesn’t feel like you should get out of the car when there is a shooter coming toward you, but there was a man next to me,” she said. “He opened my car door, pulled me out, and told me to run.”
Saveriano said she saw the man shooting at Brown as she fled.
“He is an incredible hero,” she said. “He was so calm, and he didn’t hesitate.”
The Marine veteran told investigators he had been driving southbound when he saw cars turning around and heard gunfire. A former firearms instructor, he retrieved his pistol from a safe in his backseat and — after the gunman got closer — fired eight rounds, according to a criminal complaint.
Armed citizens save lives. That's not a message that Gov. Healey wants out there, so perhaps it shouldn't be a surprise that that she has barely acknowledged the heroism he displayed.
I suppose it could be worse. At least she hasn't completely ignored his actions, like she has the actions of a now-retired judge who gave the alleged attacker a slap on the wrist after a previous shooting incident six years ago. As much as she might try to downplay the reaction of the armed citizen, Healey really doesn't want to draw attention to the soft-on-crime policies that allowed Monday's attack to happen in the first place.
