Maine marks one year since the worst mass shooting in its history

Lewiston, Maine — With flags lowered across the state, Maine residents whose sense of security was shattered last year by the deadliest mass shooting in the state’s history planned to mark the day Friday in ways big and small, including a planned memorial service.

The Killing of 18 people by an Army reservist in Lewiston brought home the stark reality that no corner of the country is safe from gun violence, even in a state where people often boast about low crime rates.

The largest gathering was expected at the city’s hockey arena, where there were expected to be moments of silence at the time of the shooting.

Community has become an important part of the grieving process since the shootings, 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 we can perhaps begin the healing process,” Seal said through the interpreter. “But in the meantime, we remain ‘Lewiston Strong’.”

Seal and dozens of other survivors and relatives of victims recently The formal process of suing the US Army began because what they say was a failure to stop 40-year-old reservist Robert Card.

The Oct. 25, 2023, shootings occurred at a bowling alley and a cornhole tournament hosted by a bar and grill. Card died by 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 a day on Friday so employees could be with their families. He said it had been a tough week as the day approached and Friday would be particularly tough.

“We don’t need work that adds to their stress,” he said. Juray and his wife Samantha, The bowling alley reopened in Maysix months after the shooting. Two employees were among the eight people killed there.

According to the state victim protection director, a total of more than 130 people were present at the two locations. In addition to the 18 killed, there were 13 wounded by gunfire and 20 non-gunshot wounds.

The shooter’s family and other Army reservists reported that he was suffering from a nervous breakdown.

After the shooting, the Maine Legislature passed new gun laws that strengthened the state’s yellow flag law, criminalized the transfer of guns to prohibited persons and expanded funding for mental health crisis care.

Democratic Gov. Janet Mills said the healing isn’t over.

“As we continue the long and difficult road to recovery, let us remember that we are not alone, we are ‘Lewiston Strong’ and that together we will continue to heal,” she said.

“Lewiston Strong” took off in the days following the tragedy and continues to inspire, reports CBS Portland, Maine affiliate WGME-TV.

The Maine People’s Alliance has retained its “Lewiston Strong” sign, a constant, thought-provoking reminder.

“What does it even mean and what comes next after declaring yourself strong?” asked Alliance’s Carrie Jadud.

“How can we be strong for each other and for ourselves? But more importantly, how do we heal, how do we heal ourselves, how do we heal each other, how do we heal as a community?” Jadud thought.