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

LEWISTON (WGME) -- Maine State Police have made public hundreds of photos from their investigation into the tragic mass shooting in Lewiston in 2023, which resulted in 18 fatalities and left 13 injured. The release follows a public records request and includes various images related to the event.

Among the 800 images released are aerial views of the crime scenes and detailed shots of the shooter's abandoned vehicle, discovered at a Lisbon boat launch. The collection also features high-powered firearms and ammunition that were located inside the car.

This batch of photos represents only a small portion of the over 15,000 images captured by state police during their thorough investigation. The agency emphasized that they are withholding the vast majority of these images for specific reasons.

In a statement regarding their decision, police highlighted the importance of respecting the privacy of survivors, the families of victims, and those present during the incident. They expressed a concern for releasing gruesome photographs that could further traumatize individuals affected by this tragedy.

Moreover, Maine State Police aim to protect sensitive information related to their investigative techniques and security measures, which could be compromised by public disclosure of certain images.