LEWISTON, Maine – Reports of gunfire on Bartlett Street late Thursday night are raising new concerns in a city already grappling with a recent string of shootings and public safety fears.
Reports began coming into The Maine Wire around 9:45 p.m. Thursday that multiple gunshots had been heard near 256 Bartlett Street, in the parking lot area between MEIRS and the mosque.
Sources familiar with the incident described a chaotic scene involving what they said was a high-speed chase that ended near the mosque.
“High speed chase of kids in car that ran to mosque,” one source told The Maine Wire. “PD didn’t even know about shots fired.”
Another source said the incident involved “5/6 rounds fired” and that people were seen running toward the mosque after the chase ended.
Authorities had not yet publicly confirmed the details of the incident Thursday night, including whether shots were fired, whether anyone was injured, or whether any arrests had been made.
The reported shooting came just hours after U.S. Sen. Susan Collins visited the Lewiston Police Department, where she met with Police Chief Carly Conley, department staff, and City Administrator Bryan Kaenrath. During the visit, Collins discussed the recent uptick in violence involving youth, a growing concern for law enforcement and city officials.
The timing underscored the urgency of the public safety challenges facing Lewiston, where residents and local officials have increasingly raised alarms about shootings, youth violence, and neighborhood safety.
A community discussion on gun violence and public safety is scheduled for Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. at Caverly Hall Chapel, located at 777 Main Street in Lewiston. The meeting is expected to give residents an opportunity to raise concerns and discuss the recent violence affecting the city.
This is a breaking news story. Updates will follow as more information becomes available.
Import the third world, become the third world
“High speed chase of kids in car that ran to mosque,” A tracked excavator, a couple of trailer dumps, five fifty pound sacks of rock salt: problem solved.
It’s always the same old story with these people. As I have stated before; I’m not racist in any fashion and I believe that everyone deserves a chance to thrive and succeed. THEY turned downtown Lewiston into the lawless streets of Mogadishu not us. THEY painted the picture of what they want the US to look like not us. It’s not safe to be in the down town streets of Lewiston anymore because of THEM and THEY’VE never denied their part in it.
I thought there was a local neighborhood advocate guarding that parking lot?