- Press Release
One Year After the Lewiston Shooting: MFOL Demands Action
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What should have been a relaxing and fun evening, turned into the American nightmare, leaving an entire community forever shattered in a matter of moments.
LEWISTON, ME — One year ago today, in Lewiston, Maine, 18 people were killed by a gunman with an assault rifle in yet another senseless—and preventable—act of gun violence. Families gathered at a youth bowling league expecting a night of fun but instead found themselves in unimaginable horror. Among those lost were also members of the Deaf community, whose experience during and after the tragedy reflected unique and heartbreaking barriers.
Today, we honor the memories of those we lost. We remember, we mourn, and we say their names. And we also recommit to our fight for a future free from gun violence.
The shooting in Lewiston also underscored just how important it is to respond robustly to every community’s unique needs in the aftermath of tragedy. We cannot leave anyone behind. Shortly after that tragedy, the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention jumped into action to provide a FEMA-like response, clearing red tape and coordinating a whole-of-government response. This is why the work of the Office of Gun Violence Prevention is critical so that we not only prevent these senseless tragedies but ensure that all communities receive the support they need and deserve.
We cannot wait for another shooting—we need bold policies that put our safety and our lives above politics, and we need them NOW. Once again, we demand that our leaders enact real change that protects all of us—hearing and Deaf alike. As we remember those we lost today, we continue our fight in their memory, more determined than ever to end this avoidable violence once and for all.
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