LEWISTON — The City Council will hold a special meeting Tuesday to hear from city officials and community partners about youth gun violence.

A full agenda was released Thursday afternoon listing several individuals who will be presenting at a 6 p.m. meeting in the multi-purpose room in Lewiston High School.

Presenters include Lewiston Police Chief Carly Conley, Androscoggin County District Attorney Neil McLean, Lewiston Public Schools Superintendent Jake Langlais and New Beginnings Executive Director Chris Bicknell. 

Incidents of youth gun violence, among other gun violence issues, have ticked up in recent months involving youths as young as 13.

The incidents have increased neighborhood fears and raised questions including how the state’s criminal justice system is handling the youths involved, if community support services are adequate and how city and law enforcement officials can best deal with the violence.

Most recently, Lewiston police arrested a 15-year-old for the non-fatal shooting of a local 23-year-old woman, Leyla Isaak. Isaak was arrested in Lewiston in February for allegedly firing multiple gunshots that hit a vehicle. 

With several prior incidents between, on June 1, police charged five teens after shots were fired into a home on Pierce Street. Three of the teens, two 16-year-olds and a 15-year old, were charged with conspiracy to commit murder and violating conditions of release from previous arrests.  

Ward 2 Councilor Susan Longchamps said residents have been asking the city to address the uptick in gun violence. 

“For the most part, we have remained silent, and I believe it’s important that our citizens hear directly from their elected officials regarding these public safety concerns,” Longchamps said.

With similar meetings having been held with McLean’s and Conley’s offices and other community stakeholders, it would only be appropriate for the council to hold its own such meeting despite not having all the answers, Longchamps said.

“By coming together, and speaking with one voice to say that enough is enough, we can send a strong message that additional support is needed,” Longchamps said. “My hope is that this united effort will help build momentum and encourage meaningful assistance from the state so we can better address the violence impacting our city.”

After she spoke with Council President David Chittim of Ward 6, Chittim and Mayor Carl Sheline scheduled the meeting, Longchamps said. 

“The youth gun violence issue in our city will be only solved through constructive dialog and community cooperation,” Sheline said. “While differences abound, we are brought together by our love for Lewiston and our care for each other.”

After presentations from officials and stakeholders, city councilors will offer comments and Sheline will open the meeting to public comment, Sheline said. 

“I am glad there’s a concerted effort and focus on public safety,” said City Administrator Bryan Kaenrath. “It is among our top priorities in Lewiston.”