LEWISTON, Maine – As flags fly at half-staff across the state, residents of Maine commemorated the anniversary of a devastating mass shooting that claimed 18 lives, with a mix of memorial events and personal reflections on Friday.
The tragic incident, perpetrated by an Army reservist in Lewiston, underscored a grim reality—gun violence can strike anywhere, even in a state known for its low crime rates. The most significant gathering took place at the city’s hockey arena, where participants observed moments of silence at the precise times when the shootings occurred.
Arthur Barnard, father of victim Artie Strout, expressed that Friday would be a day of both mourning and advocacy, as he and others push for more stringent risk protection orders in the state. “Nothing can bring Artie back. But we can try to ensure no other family has to go through what mine has,” Barnard stated.
The shootings on October 25, 2023, unfolded at a local bowling alley and a cornhole tournament. The shooter ultimately took his own life, and his body was discovered two days later.
Elizabeth Seal, whose husband Joshua was among the victims, emphasized community support as a crucial aspect of the healing journey. She and other survivors are seeking legal action against the U.S. Army for its alleged inaction regarding the shooter, Robert Card. “Once justice is served, I feel maybe we can start that process of healing,” Seal noted. “But in the meantime, we’re going to stay ‘Lewiston Strong.’”
At a local high school, which had served as a command center during the shooting, students paid tribute with a moment of silence. Superintendent Jake Langlais remarked, “We will never forget the unimaginable pain and loss that stems from that terrible day. However, a lot of good has happened since then.”
Justin Juray, owner of the Just-In-Time Recreation bowling alley where the incident began, closed the facility for the day, allowing staff to be with their families during this difficult time. Juray and his wife reopened the venue six months after the tragedy, which deeply affected their team.
In total, over 130 individuals were impacted at both locations, according to the state’s director of victim services. Alongside the 18 lives lost, there were 13 gunshot injuries and 20 non-shooting-related injuries.
In an official statement, Vice President Kamala Harris commended the Lewiston community for its unity and resilience. She highlighted the administration’s ongoing commitment to gun safety and violence prevention while acknowledging the necessity for further action to combat the crisis of gun violence that has affected countless families.
In response to the shootings, the Maine Legislature enacted new gun laws aimed at strengthening the state’s “yellow flag” law and prohibiting firearm transfers to restricted individuals, while also increasing funding for mental health crisis care. Reports indicate the shooter had been experiencing significant mental health challenges prior to the incident.
Democratic Governor Janet Mills reiterated that the path to healing remains ongoing. On Friday, she called upon Maine residents to remember the emerging strength and resilience that followed the tragedy, emphasizing the importance of honoring the memories of those lost and supporting both visible and invisible injuries.
