Today marks one year since the tragic events in Lewiston, Maine, and we pause to remember those who were lost and to recognize the resilience of a community that has come together in remarkable ways. In honor of this day, we are sharing a heartfelt message from Arthur - a community member with one of our dedicated state partners in Maine. They’ve graciously provided a reflection on the day’s significance, as well as on the resilience and strength that continues to bind this remarkable community.

Please join us in reading his story below.

-Christian | Digital Communications Manager

Dear John,

One year ago tonight I was at the bar playing pool with my son Artie, something we’d done since I taught him to play as a boy. It was getting late so I headed home. Artie decided to stay and play a few more games.

That was the last time I saw my son.

Minutes later, a gunman walked in and Artie became one of the 18 victims of the Lewiston shooting.

My family isn’t the only one grieving today. Families across Maine are doing their best to get through this solemn anniversary thinking about how much their lives changed, forever, a year ago. And it’s not just families of victims — this horrific act of violence impacted our entire community. I know our friends and neighbors are grieving with us. 

I had never been involved in politics before. But two months after Artie’s death, I decided the right thing for me to do, for his memory, was to push our legislators to pass laws that prevent tragedies, like Extreme Risk Protection Orders. Extreme Risk Protection Orders empower family members to go directly to a judge when a loved one is in crisis and may pose a threat to themselves or others to temporarily limit their access to deadly weapons. If Maine had had extreme risk orders in place this time last year, perhaps one of the numerous warnings about the would-be shooter could’ve resulted in him being disarmed. 

Lawmakers failed to act, buckling to political pressure. To say I was disappointed is an understatement — I was furious. That’s why this year, I joined others in filing the Safe Schools, Safe Communities initiative to put Extreme Risk Protection Orders on the ballot. It’s time for voters to have their say. 

In less than two weeks, we’ll be trying to gather all the signatures we need to qualify this initiative. And I’d like to invite you to join me in supporting this campaign to save lives. 

To get involved, head to SafeCommunitiesMaine.org to learn more, and please consider volunteering on Election Day.

Nothing can bring Artie back. But we can try to ensure no other family has to go through what mine has. If you can, please help.

Thank you,

Arthur

ALLIANCE FOR GUN RESPONSIBILITY
P.O. Box 4187 Seattle, WA 98194

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