Maine lawmakers seek probe of Lewiston mass shooting victim fund distributions

Maine lawmakers are calling for a formal investigation into Maine Community Foundation’s handling of a $6.6 million fund created after the 2023 mass shooting in Lewiston in which 18 people were killed and 13 others wounded. Lawmakers allege that $1.9 million was distributed to 29 nonprofit organizations rather than directed to survivors and victims’ families, despite donor expectations that contributions would support funeral costs, medical bills, counseling, and lost income. The distributions–some to organizations told to apply despite avowing they could provide no direct support to victims–have prompted concerns about donor intent, conflicts of interest, and potential self-dealing, including allegations that some steering committee members approved grants benefiting organizations connected to them.