Thursday, October 26, 2023

Dear Neighbors,

Last night a horrid tragedy occurred in Lewiston, and like you all, I am devastated. 

As Governor Mills said during her press conference today, "This city did not deserve this terrible assault on its citizens, on its peace of mind, on its sense of security. No city does. No state. No people."
Governor Mill's Press Conference Earlier Today

When I learned what had happened last night, I reached out to Lewiston Mayor, Carl Sheline. We talked, and I could hear his anguish, his sadness. But I could also hear his clarity. As he shared in a statement, "I am heartbroken for our city and our people. Lewiston is known for our strength and grit and we will need both in the days to come." 

I write tonight with sadness. I write with grief. I write with the acknowledgement that, as an elected official in Portland, I want to have answers to questions for you. But right now, I don't have them. I am stunned and I am flattened. I am thinking of moms and dads. Husbands and wives. Partners. Sister and brothers. Cousins. Friends. Neighbors. I'm thinking of our big state, that so often feels like a small town; one of the many, many things I love about Maine. I'm thinking of college students, and their families who may be close, or who may be far away. I'm thinking of business owners. Community leaders. Municipal, county and state government employees and administrators, all looking to serve and to lead. I'm thinking of school systems, students, educators, administrators and families.
And, I'm thinking about law enforcement. Portland Police have been in Lewiston, along with Lewiston's own local law enforcement, Federal agents, officers from other states, and those from so many other Maine communities, since last night. 
My deepest thanks go out to all who pick up, manage and respond to the 911 call. Those who risk their own lives. Those who help. 
And, I'm thinking of all the first responders. EMTs, ambulance drivers, hospital staff, doctors, nurses, PAs, NPs and everyone who meets the need. Last night, today and every day. 

Like you all, I continue to look for updates and answers while my heart breaks for the victims, their families, friends and communities.
Please heed guidance from law enforcement, and all community leaders who are working with your well being in mind. 

Very Sincerely, 
Kate Snyder

 

PORTLAND, Maine — The City of Portland stands in solidarity with the City of Lewiston and the entire community impacted by the senseless and horrific mass shooting that took place last night. City officials and staff are keeping Lewiston community members and their loved ones in our thoughts, as well as the roughly 30 Portland Police & Fire Department members who are helping law enforcement and medical providers keep the community safe and bring this situation to a resolution. We are thankful for their assistance during this critical time. The City would also like to acknowledge that many of its own employees either live in Lewiston, call Lewiston their hometown, or have loved ones who reside there. While we do not yet know the full extent of this tragedy, it is certainly very difficult to process, and the impacts will be felt for a very long time.

“Portland’s City Council and I are stunned by this horrific mass shooting, and we stand in solidarity with the Lewiston community, and all Mainers as we are left to once again process a senseless tragedy and its horrid impacts,” said Mayor Kate Snyder. “I am hoping the person responsible will be apprehended as quickly as possible. I’d like to thank everyone who has been involved with the law enforcement and medical response.”

“I am heartbroken by this tragedy and am grieving for those whose lives were lost and those who had their worlds turned upside down last night,” said City Manager Danielle West. “To the Lewiston community, we stand with you and we’re here for you. We have City of Portland employees who live in Lewiston, call Lewiston their hometown, or have loved ones who live there and so I am keenly aware of how this is affecting them. I’d also like to acknowledge and thank our Police and Fire Departments who participated in the law enforcement response effort to keep the community safe and resolve the situation. We are thankful for the work you do in these extremely intense and difficult times."