Mass shootings in Lewiston prompt business closures throughout the state
In response to a pair of mass shootings in Lewiston Wednesday night that left 18 people dead and 14 injured, many businesses throughout Maine were temporarily shut down Thursday morning.
Numerous companies took to social media to announce closures and support, many schools have canceled classes for the day, and Hannaford Supermarkets had delayed opening its Maine stores until at least 10 a.m.
"Our stores are following all shelter-in-place advisories and guidance from law enforcement. This is an evolving situation, and we will provide updates as soon as possible," Hannaford said in a statement. "Our thoughts and prayers are with all our associates and community members as we collectively cope with this heartbreaking tragedy."
Maine state courts and facilities in Lewiston and Auburn were closed Thursday, including the Lewiston District Court, Auburn Superior Court and Violations Bureau/Service Center.
Other closings
- Central Maine Healthcare closed all physician offices in Lewiston, Auburn, Topsham, Lisbon, Gray, Poland and Manchester. All elective surgery scheduled for Thursday was canceled at Central Maine Medical Center.
- Coffee By Design, which runs three coffeehouses in Portland, said the business was closed for the day. "Our thoughts are with our friends in Lewiston. We are here to support you in any way we can. We will keep everyone up to date about tomorrow. In the meantime, stay safe and take care of each other," Coffee By Design posted on social media.
- Connectivity Point, a telecommunications service provider in Auburn, closed its office to ensure the safety of its team members. "We are deeply saddened, and our thoughts are with all those affected by the tragic events of last night in Lewiston," the company said in a social media post Thursday morning. "We are committed to supporting our community during this difficult time and ask that everyone keep Lewiston and Maine in their thoughts."
- First National Bank closed its Lincoln County and Knox County branches for the day. Camden National Bank was temporarily shuttering its branches in Auburn, Bath, Brunswick, Lewiston, Richmond and Topsham.
- Baxter Brewing in Lewiston was closed for the remainder of the day.
- Pineland Farms in New Gloucester closed its market, outdoor center and farm.
- Downeast Energy canceled and rescheduled all its heating service calls on Thursday, except for emergencies.
- The Portland Museum of Art was closed for the day.
- The Telling Room, a nonprofit based in Portland, was closed.
- My Place Teen Center closed for the day and posted a message saying: "Our hearts are filled with sorrow for our Lewiston neighbors. And our thousands of world neighbors. Our anguish over mass shootings, violence, vitriol, disrespect, and conflict is at odds with our mantra of love first in all instances."
- Ben Davis, owner of Opbox, has canceled a Thursday open house event scheduled for Woolwich. "With the horrible and ongoing events of last night's mass shooting in Lewiston, we have decided to postpone our open house event today," said Davis. "As more information surfaces our thoughts and prayers are with you and everyone affected by this tragedy. Please take care of yourselves and be safe."
- Events around the state were canceled, including the Maine State Chamber of Commerce annual dinner scheduled for Thursday evening in Portland. The Chamber said it will reschedule its event and celebrate the awardees at an appropriate time. “The senseless, unspeakable scale of violence has taken loved ones away from families and punctured the tranquility of the famously tight Lewiston-Auburn community,” said Patrick Woodcock, the chamber's president and CEO. “Our attention, heart and prayers are with the victims of this tragedy, their loved ones, and the community of Lewiston and Auburn. We thank local, state, and federal law enforcement and join the entire state in mourning this devastating tragedy.”
- Maine outdoor retailer L.L.Bean has closed its flagship store, corporate headquarters, factories and other facilities in Maine for the remainder of the day. "Maine is more than just a place to us; it’s our home, our community, and our family. Our hearts and thoughts are with everyone affected by this tragedy in our beloved state. We urge all of our neighbors to stay safe and look out for one another while we process these events together."
This story has been updated.
Most Recent
Most Recent
0 Comments