The Maine legislative oversight committee plans to continue probing the distribution of nearly $7 million raised after the October 2023 Lewiston mass shooting, despite the attorney general's opinion that the state lacks jurisdiction over private donations. The Maine Community Foundation distributed nearly $5 million to victims and survivors and about $2 million to local nonprofits; emails claiming 100% of donations would go to victims were deemed inaccurate. Lawmakers and families are seeking more accountability, and the committee has asked the foundation to testify.
Maine Oversight Panel Demands Answers After Nearly $7M Lewiston Shooting Fund Was Divided
A state legislative oversight committee said it will press ahead with questions about how nearly $7 million in donations raised after the October 2023 Lewiston mass shooting were distributed, despite Maine Attorney General Aaron Frey advising the committee that the state lacks jurisdiction over private donations.
What happened: After a gunman killed 18 people at a Lewiston bowling alley and restaurant, the Maine Community Foundation collected almost $7 million in public donations. The foundation says nearly $5 million was distributed to victims' families and survivors, while roughly $2 million was directed to 29 local nonprofits — some with no direct connection to the attack — a distribution that has prompted public concern and calls for answers.
Legal view vs. lawmakers: Attorney General Frey told lawmakers and family members at a session in the state capital that his office does not have authority to review the allocation of privately donated funds. He said his office's review did not find evidence that a state actor converted the foundation into a public actor subject to legislative oversight.
"Our review of this did not demonstrate that there was a state actor, governor, city or otherwise, that would have turned the Maine Community Foundation into a public actor," Frey said. He also acknowledged a breach of trust and that confusing communications by the foundation may have contributed to victims' concerns.
Committee members pushed back, noting that Gov. Janet Mills' office recommended the foundation to administer the fund. "We had our fingerprints on it," Republican state Rep. John Eder said, arguing that the governor's role makes it appropriate for the legislature to ask questions.
The Maine Community Foundation has declined an on-camera interview but issued a statement saying it established two separate funds from the outset and that its communications referenced only the victims-and-families fund. Nevertheless, emails obtained by NewsNation reportedly stated that 100% of donations would go to victims and survivors. When asked about that language, Frey acknowledged the statement was inaccurate.
Families and survivors who attended the committee meeting — roughly 20 people from the Lewiston community — were not given an opportunity to speak and expressed frustration. Amy Sussman, the aunt of one victim, said the group of 57 people asked the attorney general to open an investigation and remain united in seeking accountability.
The Lewiston City Council also urged inquiry: five of six councilors recommended an investigation in a letter under review by the committee. In response to lingering questions, the oversight panel voted to request that the Maine Community Foundation appear and testify; whether the foundation will comply remains unknown.
Why it matters: The dispute highlights tensions between the legal limits of state oversight, donor intent and the expectations of victims' families in the aftermath of Maine's deadliest mass shooting. Committee members say they want transparency so families can understand how donated funds were used and to restore public trust.
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