One year has passed since the tragic event that shook the city of Lewiston, Maine to its core. On October 25, 2023, a gunman, later identified as Army reservist Robert Card, carried out the deadliest mass shooting in the state’s history, claiming the lives of 18 innocent people. The shooting took place at a bowling alley and a cornhole tournament, leaving a trail of devastation and heartbreak in its wake.
The aftermath of the shooting left the entire state reeling, as residents grappled with the harsh reality that no corner of the country is immune to gun violence. Maine, known for its low crime rate and tight-knit communities, was forced to confront the harsh truth that tragedy can strike anywhere, at any time.
In the wake of the shooting, the community of Lewiston rallied together in a display of resilience and solidarity. Memorials were held, moments of silence observed, and support poured in from all corners of the state. The city’s hockey arena became a focal point for gatherings, where residents came together to mourn, remember, and honor the victims of the senseless violence.
One of the key figures in the community’s response to the tragedy was Elizabeth Seal, whose husband, Joshua Seal, was among those killed in the shooting. Through a sign language interpreter, Seal expressed the importance of community in the healing process. She emphasized the need for justice to be served and for the community to remain “Lewiston Strong” in the face of adversity.
As the community grappled with the trauma of the shooting, survivors and families of victims took legal action against the U.S. Army for its alleged failure to prevent the tragedy. The formal process of suing the Army began, as survivors sought accountability and closure in the wake of the devastating events.
The impact of the shooting extended far beyond the immediate victims, as the entire community felt the reverberations of the tragedy. Over 130 people were present at the two sites of the shooting, with 18 lives lost, 13 wounded by gunfire, and 20 sustaining non-shooting injuries. The scars left by the events of that fateful day would take time to heal, as the community grappled with the aftermath of such senseless violence.
In the months following the shooting, the state of Maine took steps to address the root causes of gun violence and improve mental health care. New gun laws were passed, mental health crisis care was expanded, and efforts were made to prevent the transfer of guns to prohibited individuals. Governor Janet Mills emphasized the importance of continued healing and unity in the face of tragedy, urging the community to remain “Lewiston Strong” as they navigated the long road to recovery.
The spirit of “Lewiston Strong” resonated throughout the community, serving as a beacon of hope and resilience in the face of adversity. Organizations like the Maine People’s Alliance continued to uphold the message of strength and unity, fostering a sense of togetherness and support among residents. As the community grappled with the trauma of the past year, questions arose about what it truly means to be strong and how healing can take place on individual and collective levels.
In the midst of grief and loss, the people of Lewiston found strength in each other, drawing on their resilience and sense of community to navigate the challenges ahead. As they marked the one-year anniversary of the tragic shooting, the city of Lewiston stood together, united in their commitment to healing, justice, and remembrance.
