Today, the Independent Commission to Investigate the Facts of the Tragedy in Lewiston is releasing an Initial Interim Report on the mass shootings that occurred in Lewiston on October 25, 2023.
Since November 2023, the Commission has conducted seven public meetings, reviewed thousands of electronic reports and records, conducted extensive legal research, participated in site tours, and received private testimony and statements from witnesses and victims.
This Interim report summarizes the Commission’s findings to date, and it is being issued for the sole purpose of addressing the actions of local law enforcement and the information provided by the U.S. Army Reserve prior to the deadliest mass shooting in Maine’s history.
The Commission continues to investigate this matter and anticipates additional public meetings before a comprehensive final report is issued later this year.
Following is a quote from Commission Chairman Dan Wathen:
“At the core, the purpose of this Commission is to determine the facts of what happened in Lewiston on October 25, 2023, the months that led up to it, and the law enforcement response following the shootings.
“Throughout these first months, we have seen and been impressed by the courage and resilience of those who were impacted by this crime and who have bravely shared their personal stories. Each member of this Commission remains humbled by the charge that has been placed before us. Nothing we do can ever change what happened on that terrible day, but knowing the facts can help provide the answers that the victims, their families, and the people of Maine need and deserve.
“By no means is our work complete. This interim report is meant to provide policymakers and law enforcement with key information we have learned as they contemplate their response to these shootings. At the same time, we hope this will provide the people of Maine with information they deserve about the events leading up to October 25, 2023.”