Over 1,000 honor Maine’s shooting victims with prayer, reflection, and hope.
Residents of Lewiston Mourn Victims of Mass Shooting, Seek Healing and Unity
LEWISTON, Maine—The community of Lewiston came together in a powerful display of unity and resilience as they mourned the victims of Maine’s worst mass shooting. In a moving vigil held at the Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, over 1,000 people gathered to honor the 18 lives lost in the tragic event. The atmosphere was filled with hugs, tears, and a heartfelt rendition of “Amazing Grace,” as religious leaders delivered messages of hope, healing, and the strength of prayer.
As the names of the victims were read aloud, the crowd stood in solemn silence, some with heads bowed and others quietly weeping. The vigil was also livestreamed on a large screen outside the church, allowing hundreds more to participate in the emotional ceremony. Many held American flags, while others held candles in cups bearing the names of the deceased and injured.
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The vigil was marked by powerful speeches from religious leaders, including Reverend Gary Bragg of the Southern Baptist Church, who urged the community to seek healing over temporary relief. Reverend Bragg encouraged attendees to welcome their neighbors with open arms and offer assistance in any way possible.
The vigil took place just two days after the body of the suspected gunman, Robert Card, was discovered in a trailer at a recycling center. Authorities believe Card died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, but the exact timing remains unclear. Card was also suspected of injuring 13 people during the shooting rampage in Lewiston.
Christian leaders, along with a rabbi and an imam, spoke about the pain caused by the tragedy, but also emphasized the healing process and the resilience of the 40,000-strong community. A representative from Lewiston’s deaf and hard of hearing community also addressed the crowd, highlighting the impact of the shooting on their community.
Kevin Bohlin, speaking on behalf of the deaf community, delivered a heartfelt message through an ASL interpreter, expressing how the tragedy deeply affected them. Throughout the vigil, attendees could be seen signing to one another, offering support and understanding.
Despite the immense loss, the Rev. Allen Austin of Pathways Vineyard Church encouraged the crowd to focus on fostering peace within their communities. He expressed hope that the tragedy would lead to a kinder, more compassionate, and more merciful society.
Reverend Todd Little from the First United Pentecostal Church of Lewiston spoke of the newfound unity among the diverse community, stating that they are not defined by the tragedy but are determined to emerge even stronger.
Meanwhile, the city of Lewiston slowly began reopening. Lewiston Public Schools released a limited schedule for the week, allowing time for reflection as the community moves forward. City Hall also planned to reopen in the afternoon.
Earlier in the day, church services across the area were deeply influenced by the shooting and the subsequent lockdown. At the Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, women wore black veils during the morning mass, and the church raised funds to support those affected by the tragedy.
Reverend Daniel Greenleaf emphasized the importance of faith during difficult times, stating that it is through these challenges that people truly put their faith into practice.
At Lisbon Falls Baptist Church, the congregation greeted each other warmly, but the mood turned somber as Reverend Brian Ganong addressed the tragedy. He offered prayers for the injured, the families who lost loved ones, and the first responders and medical workers. He also mentioned the Card family, who had connections to members of the church, and encouraged everyone to find solace in a higher power.
Authorities discovered multiple weapons during their search for Robert Card and believe he legally purchased them. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives declined to provide further details. Investigators are still working to determine a motive for the massacre, with a focus on Card’s mental health history.
As the stay-at-home order was lifted and some sense of normalcy returned, the community of Lewiston remained resilient. Residents went hunting, and a family distributed buckets of flowers downtown. However, reminders of the tragedy remained, with workers in hazmat suits seen cleaning the shooting site at Schemengees Bar & Grille.
Leroy Walker, an Auburn city councilor and father of one of the victims, greeted people at a trick-or-treat event with a heavy heart. He spoke of the ongoing pain and the profound loss he feels for his son, Joseph.
Maine, a state known for its low crime rate, was deeply shocked by the deadliest shootings in its history. The community continues to rally together, with three injured individuals still in critical condition at Central Maine Medical Center.
How did pastors and religious leaders show support and unity during the subsequent vigil?
He subsequent vigil. Many pastors and religious leaders incorporated prayers and moments of silence into their services, emphasizing the need for healing and unity among their congregants.
Local businesses and organizations also rallied behind the community, offering support and resources to those affected by the tragedy. The Lewiston Fire Department organized a blood drive to help replenish local blood banks, while the Good Food Store provided free meals for those attending the vigil. The outpouring of support from both within and outside the community demonstrated the resilience and compassion of the people of Lewiston.
In the wake of such a devastating event, it is natural for a community to experience grief and sorrow. However, the vigil served as a reminder that unity and healing can be found even in the darkest times. As Rev. Austin stated, “The true measure of a community is not in its suffering, but in how it comes together to support and uplift each other.”
Moving forward, the people of Lewiston will undoubtedly face challenges on their path to healing. But by coming together, supporting one another, and upholding the values of compassion and unity, they will emerge stronger than ever. The tragedy that occurred in their beloved city will not define them, but rather serve as a catalyst for positive change.
As the residents of Lewiston continue to mourn the victims of the mass shooting, they do so with heavy hearts but also with a determination to honor their memory by building a more peaceful and connected community. Together, they seek healing and unity, drawing strength from one another and affirming that love, understanding, and compassion will prevail over hate and violence.
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