LEWISTON — The City Council tabled a resolution Tuesday evening that would establish a voluntary assessment of the needs of those impacted by the Oct. 25, 2023, mass shootings.

The resolution emerged amid ongoing public pressure from some of those affected by the mass shootings and community members who say victims’ and survivors’ financial needs remain unmet more than two years after the shooting despite millions of dollars raised in support.

Ward 2 Councilor Susan Longchamps introduced the resolution. “The events of that night deeply affected our city and our nation and the impact continues to be felt today,” she said. “Many victims and survivors are still living with lasting emotional and physical and financial effects.”

The resolution would direct city staff to coordinate with community partners to develop a survey or assessment of known individuals impacted by the shootings. Participation would be voluntary and conducted in a manner mindful of the privacy, dignity and well-being of respondents, according to the resolution.

The results of the assessment would inform future collaborations to address outstanding hardships.

Several councilors supported the intent of the resolution, but asked for clarity on legal authority, privacy obligations and how the assessment might differ from services already being provided through the state, the Victim Compensation Program at the Office of the Maine Attorney General, and other organizations such as the Maine Resiliency Center.

Mayor Carl Sheline suggested the council seek legal advice, especially concerning the privacy of any respondents to surveys and assessments that could become public information once shared with council members.

The council voted 7-0 to table the resolution until legal counsel reviews it and offers recommendations.

Members of the public attending the meeting largely came out in support of the resolution, with a number of them citing long-held beliefs that fundraising done after the shootings for the victims’ families, survivors and others affected by the shootings does not stand up to scrutiny.

Some $6.6 million was distributed, $4.7 million to those affected and $1.9 million to community nonprofits.

A total of 18 people were killed and 13 injured in the shootings at Schemengees Bar and Grille on Lincoln Street and Just-in-Time Recreation on Mollison Way.

Benjamin Dyer of Auburn, a survivor shot five times at Schemengees, said the council has a duty to look into the fundraising. 

“The money you guys raised is missing. … Where’d the money go? This council was tasked to set things up. … You say you want to look into what the needs are. We’re not asking to get rich, this isn’t about money. It’s about survival. … All I’m asking is that you take the time, review the wrong and do the right. … We’re individuals just asking for accountability and support. And guess what? We don’t get it.”

The Attorney General’s Office reviewed concerns about the fundraising and distribution of funds in 2024 and determined there was no evidence of mishandling donations by the Maine Community Foundation, the Ellsworth-based nonprofit asked shortly after the shootings to help with distribution of the funds.

Longchamps’ resolution does not call for an investigation of the Lewiston-Auburn Area Response Fund set up by the foundation, but rather for an assessment of current needs.

“In response, leadership met with the Maine Community Foundation and reported back that there were no findings of wrongdoing and nothing further for the council to pursue,” Longchamps said Tuesday.

“Our responsibility as elected officials is not only to accept reports, but to ensure that the needs of those impacted have truly been met. It is about making sure we’ve done everything in our power to support those affected. It is about assuring accountability, compassion and care. It is about coming together as a council to take a renewed look at this,” she said.

Council President David Chittim said Tuesday that the city and organizations outside the city have shared multiple times how funds were raised, so it is difficult to imagine how the city can better address concerns.

He echoed sentiments shared last week by Sheline that Maine Community Foundation offered donors two options, to support victims directly or to support the broader community response. If donors did not select an option, donations were split between the two categories.

Ward 1 Councilor Josh Nagine noted that the council does not have the power to subpoena nonprofits to appear before the council and explain how they used the funds they were given by Maine Community Foundation. The foundation has been transparent about its process and details it on its website.