Lewiston Mass Shooting: Chaos, Carnage, and a Heroic Search for Answers

Documents from Maine Department of Public Safety reveal the chaos and carnage during the state's deadliest mass shooting in Lewiston. Officers described the horrific scenes they encountered, desperate survivors, and the massive search for the gunman, culminating in new gun laws and expanded mental health care funding.

Last Friday, the Maine Department of Public Safety released thousands of pages of documents detailing the state's deadliest mass shooting in Lewiston. Officers arriving at the scenes encountered sheer chaos, with victims pleading for help amid uncertainty about the gunman's presence.

Lewiston Officer Keith Caoueutte recounted the harrowing experience of bypassing desperate survivors to secure the area. Auburn Lt. Steven Gosselin likened the scene to a war zone, further illustrating the gravity of the situation.

The documents, spanning over 3,000 pages, were released in response to Freedom of Access Act requests. They included firsthand accounts, a note from the gunman Robert Card, and details of the subsequent investigation and search efforts. This tragic event led to significant legislative changes, including stricter gun laws and increased funding for mental health crisis care.