Collins Says Federal Help Is Ready for Lewiston as City Confronts Youth Gun Violence Crisis

As Lewiston prepares for a special City Council meeting Tuesday night to address a surge in youth gun violence, U.S. Sen. Susan Collins (R) said federal law enforcement agencies stand ready to assist the city, telling The Maine Wire that local officials are “just a phone call away” from additional federal support.

Collins made the remarks Saturday while attending the opening of the new Maine Mill, where she spoke with The Maine Wire about the recent violence that has shaken Maine’s second-largest city.

The senator said she has been working with federal law enforcement officials and is prepared to help connect Lewiston with additional resources if city leaders determine they are needed.

“The Lewiston Police Department is just a phone call away,” Collins told The Maine Wire, emphasizing her commitment to helping curb the recent increase in youth gun violence.

Collins said she has met with newly appointed U.S. Attorney Andrew Benson, who has also met with the Lewiston Police Department to discuss the recent shootings and the federal resources available through the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

She also said she recently met with officials from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), who have pledged their support to Lewiston as local and federal authorities work to combat violent crime.

The ATF serves as the federal government’s primary agency for investigating firearms trafficking, violent firearms offenses, gang-related crime, illegal gun possession, explosives violations and arson. The agency regularly works alongside state and local police departments to trace firearms used in crimes, investigate illegal gun networks, identify repeat violent offenders and pursue federal firearms prosecutions that often carry significantly tougher penalties than comparable state charges.

The senator’s comments come as Lewiston continues to grapple with a string of shootings involving juveniles that have fueled growing public concern and prompted city leaders to convene a special meeting dedicated solely to public safety.

The Lewiston City Council’s special meeting will be held Tuesday, June 30, at 6 p.m. in the Multi-Purpose Room at Lewiston High School, 156 East Avenue. The meeting is expected to include presentations from city officials, law enforcement leaders and members of the public as officials seek solutions to the city’s escalating youth violence.

While Collins says federal resources are available, Gov. Janet Mills and her administration have yet to publicly announce any additional state response to the recent violence in Lewiston.

According to numerous Lewiston residents, emails have been sent to the governor’s office requesting state assistance as shootings involving juveniles have continued to rise. Residents who spoke with The Maine Wire said they have not received a response to those requests.

The Maine Wire has also repeatedly sought comment from Gov. Mills regarding the ongoing violence in Lewiston. This reporter traveled to the governor’s office in Augusta seeking comment and again attempted to question the governor during Saturday’s event in Lewiston. As of publication, Gov. Mills had not responded to The Maine Wire’s questions regarding the recent surge in youth gun violence or residents’ requests for additional state assistance.

The contrast has become increasingly noticeable as federal officials, including the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the ATF, have expressed a willingness to work alongside Lewiston law enforcement while residents continue waiting for a public response from Augusta.

Tuesday’s meeting is expected to draw significant public interest as residents, city officials and law enforcement leaders discuss strategies to address the city’s recent spike in youth gun violence.

For Collins, the message was clear: if Lewiston officials need additional federal assistance, she said she is prepared to help bring those resources to the city.

“All they have to do is call,” Collins told The Maine Wire.