Lewiston Strong

October 25, 2024

This is Governor Janet Mills, and thank you for listening.

Well, one year ago, on the evening of October 25th, 2023, Maine people were bowling with their kids, enjoying a cold beer after a long day at work, competing in a cornhole tournament, spending time with their family and friends at Just-In-Time Recreation and at Schemengees Bar and Grille in Lewiston, when their lives and their community were shattered by gunfire.

Eighteen beloved people -- our friends and family and neighbors -- lost their lives, including four members of Maine's Deaf and Hard of Hearing community. Others were seriously injured, and many people impacted across our state.

That night, when darkness descended on our state, ordinary people demonstrated extraordinary courage, attempting to stop the perpetrator and usher children and others to safety. Hundreds of law enforcement officers from county, state and federal agencies ran towards the danger to protect Maine people and to search for the perpetrator. Paramedics, doctors, nurses, and healthcare workers did everything in their power to save lives and to treat wounds, both seen and unseen. ASL interpreters stepped up in their own moment of grief to ensure that crucial information was translated to those who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing during this unprecedented emergency.

And after 48 frightening hours, when the perpetrator's body was found and public safety was restored, Maine people then came together to grieve as one, offering the City of Lewiston our full support and strength with generosity and grace. That support has never waned.

Maine people are steadfast in our conviction that we are one community bound by a shared love for each other and for this state.

As we mourn and pay tribute to the loved ones we lost a year ago, as we support those who were injured, and as we honor all those who have been affected by the Lewiston tragedy, we also remember our strength as a community, as a state, and as Maine people.

As we continue down the long and difficult road to recovery, let us remind ourselves that we are not alone, that we all are Lewiston Strong, and that we will continue to heal together.

On behalf of all Maine people, I thank organizations like the Maine Resiliency Center, which continues to support the Lewiston community.

Today is a difficult day for many people. If you need support, or just someone to talk to, please visit StrengthenME.com. That's StrengthenME.com. Or if you or someone you know is in crisis, call 988. Get help.

May God bless you, and may God bless the families and the memories of those we lost, and may God bless the State of Maine. This is Governor Janet Mills, and thank you for listening.