After Lewiston: Standing Strong, Standing Together

Reflecting on Tragedy, Demanding Accountability, and Putting People First.

Like so many Mainers, I was heartbroken by the senseless tragedy that took place in Lewiston. These events shake us to the core. They force us to pause and reflect—on our lives, our families, and the kind of world we want to live in.

But reflection must be followed by action. And the right action matters.

Robert Wessels responds to the Lewiston tragedy with real solutions—protecting rights, fixing broken systems, and putting Mainers first.

Protecting Rights While Demanding Accountability

In the wake of tragedies like this, some immediately call for sweeping gun bans. But we must resist knee-jerk reactions that target law-abiding citizens rather than the systemic failures that allowed such a tragedy to happen in the first place.

Let me be clear: this isn’t about ignoring the pain. It’s about focusing on real, effective solutions—solutions that protect our communities without stripping away freedoms.

We must ask tough questions:

• Why was someone who openly reported hearing violent voices released after just two weeks?

• Why weren’t his firearms removed after expressing violent intent?

• Why did he target "gun-free zones" where people were defenseless?

These are the failures we need to fix, and we need to fix them now.

Real Solutions for Safer Communities

Our laws need to change in ways that make sense:

• Review and revise “gun-free zone” laws, especially in places where responsible, trained individuals could serve as a line of defense.

• Create certification pathways to allow qualified citizens—like trained teachers or staff—to legally carry in restricted areas.

• Strengthen mental health evaluations and intervention protocols, ensuring those who pose a danger receive the help they need—and do not retain access to weapons.

• Hold government agencies accountable for inaction, and inform the public of changes made to prevent similar tragedies.

This isn’t about politics—it’s about protecting lives and ensuring the system does not fail again.

The Bigger Picture

There’s another part of the conversation we can’t ignore: the emotional and mental toll Mainers are facing. Over-regulation, skyrocketing taxes, and poor leadership have made everyday life harder. People are stretched thin, and the emotional cost is real.

We can’t fix everything overnight, but we can reverse the policies that are piling pressure on Maine families. We can restore discipline in schools, accountability in our justice system, and trust in our government.

– Robert Wessels, Candidate for Governor of Maine