Lewiston Vigil Marks Three Years Since Shooting That Killed 18

Dozens of people gathered at Simard-Payne Park in Lewiston on October 25 for a candlelight vigil marking three years since the shooting that left 18 dead and 13 wounded, WMTW reported.

The gathering was put on by the Maine Resiliency Center, which was set up in the weeks after the October 25, 2023, attack to offer services to survivors, families of those killed and others affected. Organizers read aloud the names of the 18 people who died.

"Eighteen of them were killed. Tonight, we gather to remember those 18 people who were killed," said Meredith Stack, associate director of the center, according to WMTW.

Danielle Parent, the center's director, told those assembled that the loss extends beyond the day itself to the years the victims did not get to live.

Among those attending was Arthur Barnard, whose son, Arthur Strout, was among the dead. Barnard said the emotions that come with the date are "unavoidable" and that he had spent the morning thinking back on the hours he spent with his son before the shooting.

Participants closed the ceremony by walking to the Longley Bridge and releasing flower petals.

This story was first reported by WMTW.