LEWISTON - In response to a mass casualty event that took place across several locations in Lewiston, Assistant House Majority Leader Kristen Cloutier of Lewiston, Senator Peggy Rotundo of Lewiston and members of Lewiston's legislative delegation released the following statements:
Assistant House Majority Leader Kristen Cloutier:
"My heart grieves deeply for my community and for those who were killed, injured or are mourning the loss of loved ones in this senseless and preventable tragedy. To have this happen in my hometown is both surreal and heartbreaking. This has only strengthened my own resolve to do whatever I can to help prevent similar tragedies like this from happening again in other communities. As a state, we must do more to address gun violence and keep ourselves, our families, our friends and our neighbors safe. Words are not enough they never have been. We must take bold action. I am also extremely grateful to the Lewiston Police Department and all of the emergency personnel who answered the call to respond to this incident, and who continue their hard work today to keep us safe."
Senator Peggy Rotundo of Lewiston:
"I am heartbroken. Our city of Lewiston, the place we call home, is a wonderful, diverse and vibrant community normally so full of light and life. Today, however, we are a community in mourning as we grapple with unimaginable heartache and profound grief our sense of safety and security shattered by this horrific act of mass violence. As we await answers, I want to thank all the first responders, members of law enforcement and health professionals responding to this devastating attack on our community. I would ask that the people of Maine keep our community in their hearts today. Please say a prayer for those we lost, the families in mourning and the residents of Lewiston awaiting news about loved ones."
Reps. Mana Abdi, Margaret Craven and Michel Lajoie issued the following joint statement:
"Today, our hearts are broken. Along with our entire community, we are devastated and horrified by the unfathomable acts of mass gun violence that took place last night. We are deeply thankful to all of the first responders, law enforcement and hospital staff who responded swiftly, and will continue to keep all of our neighbors, families and friends who have been affected in our hearts. Together, we are committed to ensuring that a tragedy like this will never happen to another community ever again."
Contact:
Brian Lee [Cloutier, Abdi, Craven, Lajoie], 305-965-2744
Christine Kirby [Rotundo], 294-2468