President Joe Biden, First Lady Jill Biden to Visit Maine Friday

The President and First Lady will visit Maine on Friday, in the wake of a mass shooting that claimed 18 lives.

What's On the Agenda for the President's Visit?

In response to the shootings that happened Wednesday night, October 25th, 2023 at two Lewiston businesses, President Biden issued a statement that said, in part:

Today, Jill and I are praying for the Americans who've lost their lives, for those still in critical care, and for the families, survivors, and community members enduring shock and grief.

The statement went on to pledge support from the President and First Lady for the people of Maine. On Friday, November 3rd, they will visit Maine in order to pay their respects to the victims and visit with the first responders who were on the scene.

Has the Governor Commented On the Visit?

Governor Janet Mills issued a statement on Wednesday about the upcoming visit.

I deeply appreciate President Biden's unwavering support of us in the wake of last week's horrific tragedy. By visiting us in our time of need, the President and First Lady are making clear that the entire nation stands with Lewiston and with Maine - and for that, I am profoundly grateful.

Why Is Governor Mills Setting Up an Oversight Committee to Examine the Shooting?

This announcement came the same day as another from the Governor pledging to create a committee to examine the 'facts and circumstances' of the tragic shooting, including in the months prior to the actual event.

I know that the Maine State Police are working hard to conduct a thorough and comprehensive criminal investigation of the shooting, but I also believe that the gravity of this attack on our people - an attack that strikes at the core of who we are and the values we hold dear - demands a higher level of scrutiny.

Governor Mills is working with the Maine Attorney General's Office to create a fully independent commission to examine the police response, starting months before the shootings happened.