Maine State Police release hundreds of photos from Lewiston mass shooting investigation

Maine State Police have made public hundreds of images captured during the investigation of the 2023 Lewiston mass shooting, which claimed the lives of 18 individuals and injured 13 others. This release followed a public records request and included significant images from the crime scenes, alongside details related to the shooter’s vehicle found at a Lisbon boat launch.

Among the released photos are aerial shots of the crime scenes, as well as images of the high-powered weapons and ammunition discovered in the abandoned car. In total, 800 images were shared, representing only a small portion of the over 15,000 photos taken by law enforcement throughout the investigation.

The agency provided a statement clarifying its decision to withhold thousands of other images. They emphasized the importance of respecting the privacy of survivors and the families of the victims, stating that releasing graphic photos could further traumatize those impacted by the tragedy.

Additionally, Maine State Police noted their intention to protect sensitive information regarding their investigative techniques and security protocols by limiting the release of certain photographs.

This careful handling of evidence underlines the agency's commitment to balancing transparency with the need for respect and privacy for those affected by the devastating events.