Just wanted to take a quick moment to acknowledge what's happening in Maine right now. Maine is my home, the place I will likely spend my entire life. The 24 years I have spent on this Earth has been marked by active shooter drills and escape plans, yet nothing could have prepared me or anyone native to Maine who knows its culture for the tragedy that took place in Lewiston. We are a quiet, peaceful state that often goes overlooked by the rest of the country because of the lack of big news/events that happen here, so the outpouring of support and time in the spotlight has come as an added shock. Now we've been pinpointed on the map in the worst way possible.
Mainers are known for their resilience, strength, and compassion for each other. Although our communities are spread out amongst the iconic pine trees, we remain connected through our unity in helping one another. This incident will undoubtedly change how we view our state, but it will not change our dedication to our communities -- small or large.
My heart is with the victims and their families while we fight for policy and change to ensure this cannot happen again.