Mass shootings in Lewiston, Maine: A community's response

Lewiston, Maine is a small city with a big heart. It's a place where people from all over the world come to build new lives and find opportunity. But in recent years, Lewiston has also been the site of two mass shootings, one in 2015 and one in 2016. These tragedies have left a deep scar on the community, but they have also galvanized residents to come together and support each other.

In the aftermath of the first shooting, a group of community members formed the Lewiston Together Coalition. The coalition's mission is to "create a more united and inclusive community" by working to address the root causes of violence, such as poverty, racism, and drug addiction.

The coalition has organized a number of initiatives, including:

• A summer youth program that provides job training and mentorship.
• A violence prevention program that works with young people at risk of violence.
• A community dialogue series that brings people together to discuss issues of race, class, and equity.

The coalition has also been a strong advocate for gun control measures. In 2016, the Maine legislature passed a law that requires universal background checks for all gun sales. The law was supported by the Lewiston Together Coalition, and it is seen as a step forward in preventing gun violence.

The second mass shooting in Lewiston occurred in 2016, when a man killed his estranged wife and then himself. The tragedy left behind two young children, who were taken in by their extended family.

In the wake of the shooting, the community rallied around the children. A GoFundMe page was set up to raise money for their education and other expenses, and it quickly surpassed its goal. The children also received an outpouring of support from local businesses and individuals.

The mass shootings in Lewiston have been devastating for the community, but they have also shown the strength and resilience of the people of Lewiston. In the face of tragedy, they have come together to support each other and to work to make their community a better place.