Community Gathers to Remember Maine Mass Shooting Victims
Hundreds of mourners gathered for a candlelit vigil in Lisbon, Maine, to remember the victims of the tragic Maine mass shooting.
This highly-emotional service, held beside the Androscoggin River, was a powerful show of solidarity, taking place less than a kilometer from where the body of the gunman, Robert Card, was discovered just 24 hours earlier.
A Community United in Grief
Mourners of all ages, including families with young children, came together as the sun set, holding candles and comforting one another.
Jonathan Jones, the pastor at Lisbon Falls Baptist Church, led the service, offering words of remembrance for the victims and even including a prayer for the Card family.
The pastor emphasized the profound sadness that has affected the communities of Lewiston and Lisbon.
Reflecting on the Tragedy
The service occurred approximately 72 hours after Card’s shooting spree, which left 18 victims dead.
The gunman’s rampage began at a bowling alley in Lewiston, where he killed six men and one woman.
He then traveled to a bar and grill, where eight more men lost their lives.
Three additional victims succumbed to their injuries in the hospital, and over a dozen more were wounded.
Card took his own life with a self-inflicted gunshot wound, ending a massive manhunt.
Community Resilience and Support
Residents of Lisbon reflected on the horrifying moment they learned of the massacre.
One local resident, Francine Hicks, expressed the overwhelming sadness that still lingers in the community.
She stressed the need for comfort and human connection during such a trying time.
Wayne Ackley, the cub master of a local Boy Scouts group, spoke about the sense of horror that gripped the community, emphasizing the importance of paying respects to the victims.
A Return to Normalcy
The day before the vigil, the city of Lewiston, which had been on lockdown during the manhunt for Card, saw a return to normal life.
Residents ventured out for activities like jogging and visiting shops that had been closed.
Some chose to spend time reflecting, while others engaged in deer hunting on the opening day of firearm season.
Remembering the Victims
In a poignant display of grief and support, a makeshift memorial was created near the bar targeted by Card.
William Brackett, whose son was among the victims, visited the memorial, expressing relief at the news of Card’s death.
He shared touching memories of his son, emphasizing the young man’s gentle nature and resilience despite his deafness.
A Community United in Prayer
The local church community, represented by the Rev. Daniel Greenleaf, offered solace through shared stories of the shooting victims and collective prayer.
While the tragedy cannot be fixed, the community’s strength and unity in prayer provide some relief to those affected.
This solemn vigil serves as a reminder of the resilience and unity of a community in the face of unimaginable tragedy.