TL/DR –
President Joe Biden visited Lewiston, Maine, in the wake of mass shootings that resulted in the deaths of 18 individuals. He assured the people of Lewiston of their not being alone in their grief, laying wreaths at the two businesses where the shootings occurred, and expressing gratitude for the first responders, doctors, and nurses who worked in the aftermath of the incident. Biden reiterated the need for laws to protect against gun violence, stating that “this is about common sense, reasonable, responsible measures to protect our children, our families, our communities.”
President Biden Pays Tribute to Mass Shooting Victims in Lewiston, Maine
President Joe Biden, alongside First Lady Jill Biden, paid a visit to Lewiston, Maine, expressing solidarity with a community shattered by recent mass shootings. The President and First Lady participated in memorial events at the two places of the tragic incident, where 18 lives were lost, and 13 injured. View President’s arrival in Maine.
“Everyone grieves in their own way, but we understand what it means to lose a part of us,” said the President. He gave a heartfelt tribute to the 18 souls lost, including children, grandparents, union workers, bowling coaches, and beloved members of Lewiston’s deaf and hard of hearing community.
The President extended gratitude to the first responders, doctors, and nurses who rushed to the scene. He also acknowledged the survivors who will carry physical and emotional scars and said, “They should be embraced. I know you will. I know you do.” Watch Biden’s memorial visit.
In a call to action, Biden put forth the urgent need for laws to control gun violence. “It’s about common sense, sensible, responsible steps to safeguard our children, our families, our communities,” he emphasized. “It’s about ensuring our freedom to visit a bowling alley, a restaurant, a school, a church without fear of being shot.” Watch full speech..
Reflecting on his role as the “Comforter in Chief,” Biden stated, “Jill and I have met survivors in Buffalo, Uvalde, Monterey Park, Sandy Hook, and countless others. Many of these places never make the news, but their pain is just as real and felt across America.”
In anticipation of the President’s visit, volunteers distributed 18 white ribbons, symbolizing each life lost in the mass shooting. Biden acknowledged the unity and strength of the community and the state. “Your hearts may be broken, but your spirits are strong. The unity displayed by this community and this state is inspiring to the rest of the country.”
Before returning to Washington, D.C., the President and First Lady scheduled a private meeting with the families of the victims and first responders. Download the free WMUR app for updates..
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