Lewiston, Maine — As flags were lowered across the state, Maine residents, whose sense of security was shattered last year by the deadliest mass shooting in state history, planned to Mark this day Friday in ways big and small, including a planned memorial service.
THE murders of 18 people by an Army reservist in Lewiston drove home the harsh reality that no corner of the country is safe from gun violence, including a state where people often brag about their low crime rate.
The largest gathering was expected at the city’s hockey arena, where moments of silence were expected to be observed at the time of the shooting.
The community has become an important part of the grieving process since the shooting, Elizabeth Seal said through a sign language interpreter at an event with victims and survivors last week. Seal’s husband, Joshua Seal, was killed in the shooting.
“Once justice is served, I think maybe we can begin that healing process,” Seal said through the interpreter. “But in the meantime, we’re going to stay Lewiston Strong.”
Robert F. Bukaty / AP
Seal and dozens of other survivors and victims’ loved ones recently began the formal process of suing the US military because what they said was inaction to arrest 40-year-old reservist Robert Card.
The October 25, 2023 shootings took place at a bowling alley and during a cornhole tournament hosted by a bar and grill. Card committed suicide and his body was found two days later.
Justin Juray, owner of the Just-In-Time Recreation bowling alley where the shooting began, said the venue would close for the day Friday to allow staff to stay with their families. He said it had been a tough week heading into the day and Friday would be particularly tough.
“We don’t need to work to add to their stress,” he said. Juray and his wife, Samantha, reopened the bowling alley in Maysix months after the shooting. Two staff members were among the eight people killed at the scene.
In total, more than 130 people were present at the two sites, according to the state’s director of victim services. In addition to the 18 killed, there were 13 gunshot wounds and 20 other than gunshot wounds.
The shooter’s family and fellow Army reservists said he was suffering from a nervous breakdown.
Following the shooting, the Maine Legislature passed new gun laws that strengthened the state’s “yellow flag” status, criminalized the transfer of firearms to prohibited persons, and increased funding for mental health care in times of crisis.
Democratic Gov. Janet Mills said the healing is not over.
“As we continue the long, difficult road to recovery, let us remember that we are not alone, that we are ‘Lewiston Strong’ and that we will continue to heal together,” she said.
“Lewiston Strong” took off in the days following the tragedy and continues to inspire, CBS Portland, Maine affiliate WGME-TV reports.
The Maine People’s Alliance has maintained its “Lewiston Strong” sign, a constant and thought-provoking reminder.
“What does that mean anyway and what happens after you declare yourself strong?” asked Carrie Jadud of the alliance.
“How can we be strong for each other and for ourselves? But more importantly, how can we heal ourselves, heal each other, heal as a community? ” Jadud thinks.
