Lewiston Councilor’s Social Media Posts Spark Controversy Amid Ongoing Gun Violence Concerns

LEWISTON, Maine – Lewiston City Councilor Chrissy Noble is facing backlash after posting inflammatory comments on social media directed at fellow Councilor Bret Martel and Maine Wire reporter Jon Fetherston following their effort to promote an upcoming community forum on gun violence in the city.

The controversy began after Martel and Fetherston spent part of Friday distributing flyers across Lewiston encouraging residents, business owners, and community leaders to attend a June 3 public forum focused on recent shootings, public safety, youth violence, and prevention efforts.

The outreach effort was largely uneventful until Martel and Fetherston arrived at the Maine Immigrant and Refugee Services (MEIRS), where they were allegedly confronted by individuals who accused them of trespassing and tried to block them from distributing flyers.

Shortly afterward, Noble took to social media with a series of heated posts attacking both men and accusing them of harassing an agency connected to assisting Afrikaner refugees.

“Be a shame if someone sent the DOJ the video of the Maine Wire and company (gross) harassing the agency that’s been chosen to settle the Afrikaners that tRump is saving, like I just did. I made sure to include names,” Noble wrote.

In another post, Noble accused those promoting the forum of racism and political grandstanding, claiming they were targeting the African community “under the guise of gun safety.” The post ended with the hashtag “#jesushatesyou,” which was directed at Martel and Fetherston.

Noble represents Ward 5 on the Lewiston City Council. She was appointed earlier this year after the resignation of Iman Osman, who stepped down shortly after being sworn into office. Noble, a longtime youth counselor at New Beginnings, was selected by the council after hours of public comment and debate. Local reporting at the time described her as a youth advocate with experience in conflict resolution.

Her comments come as Lewiston continues to face heightened concern over public safety following a series of recent shootings involving teenagers and young adults. One recent incident involved a teen being shot as police recovered multiple firearms and detained several teens. Another reported shooting occurred on Bradley Street the same evening.

The recent violence has raised serious questions about youth crime, gun access, policing, and the role of city leadership in responding to residents’ concerns. Several incidents have occurred in residential areas, leaving families and business owners increasingly worried about the direction of the city.

Martel has been among the councilors calling for a broader public conversation about violence prevention and community safety. The June 3 forum is intended to give residents, police, elected officials, and community organizations a chance to speak openly about what is happening in Lewiston and what can be done to stop it.

Organizers say participation from Lewiston’s Somali community is especially important. Lewiston is one of Maine’s most diverse cities, and any serious conversation about public safety must include residents from every neighborhood and background.

Supporters of the forum argue that the issue is not about targeting any one community, but about making sure all families, including Somali families, longtime Lewiston residents, business owners, students, and parents, have a voice in shaping solutions.

The forum is expected to focus on recent shootings, youth violence, community policing, public safety concerns, and ways to build stronger cooperation between residents, law enforcement, schools, and city officials.

Despite Noble’s online comments, organizers said she, Somali community leaders, and all Lewiston residents remain invited and are encouraged to attend the June 3 forum.