LEWISTON, Maine — As flags fly at half-staff throughout Maine, residents are reflecting on the tragic anniversary of a mass shooting that took place last year. Plans have been made for remembrance events, including a significant memorial service, to honor the lives lost during that harrowing incident.
The horrifying event, which resulted in the deaths of 18 individuals at the hands of an Army reservist in Lewiston, served as a stark reminder that gun violence can affect any community, even in a state where low crime rates are often celebrated. The tragedy highlighted the pervasive threat of gun violence, challenging the perception of safety.
The largest gathering is anticipated to unfold at the local hockey arena, where participants will observe moments of silence synchronized with the times when the shootings occurred. This assembly reflects the community’s desire to unite in mourning and remembrance.
Elizabeth Seal, who lost her husband Joshua in the shooting, spoke last week at an event for survivors and victims’ families, expressing the importance of community in the healing journey. Communicating through a sign language interpreter, she stated, “Once justice is served, I feel maybe we can start that process of healing. But in the meantime, we’re going to stay ‘Lewiston Strong.’”
In a significant step, Seal and several other survivors, along with relatives of the victims, have initiated legal action against the U.S. Army, alleging negligence regarding the mental health of the assailant, Robert Card, who was 40 years old.
The tragic shootings occurred on October 25, 2023, at two locations: a bowling alley and a cornhole tournament at a nearby bar and grill. Card ultimately took his own life, with his body discovered two days after the attack.
Justin Juray, the owner of the Just-In-Time Recreation bowling alley, announced that the establishment would close on the anniversary, allowing employees to spend time with their families. With the painful day approaching, he noted that it has been particularly challenging, emphasizing, “We don’t need work to add to their stress.” The bowling alley reopened in May, six months following the ordeal, after two of its staff members were tragically killed during the incident.
A total of over 130 individuals were impacted at the shooting sites, with 18 lives lost and 13 others injured by gunfire, alongside 20 additional injuries unrelated to the shooting. Reports indicated that Card had been experiencing severe mental distress prior to the attacks, according to his family and fellow reservists.
In response to this tragedy, Maine’s legislature enacted new gun control measures, which included strengthening the state’s “yellow flag” law, making it illegal to transfer firearms to individuals who are prohibited from possessing them, and enhancing the funding available for mental health crisis interventions.
Democratic Governor Janet Mills remarked that the path to healing is ongoing, urging the community to support each other during this difficult journey. “As we continue down the long and difficult road to recovery, let us remind ourselves that we are not alone, that we are ‘Lewiston Strong,’ and that we will continue to heal, together,” she stated.