Breakdown: Investigating Maine's deadliest shooting
In October 2023, a local Army Reservist opened fire inside two family businesses in Lewiston, a small city north of Portland. Within minutes, 18 were killed and 13 wounded – and the largely pro-gun state was left reeling. The Portland Press Herald and Maine Public examine the failures and aftermath in collaboration with FRONTLINE, including the documentary Breakdown in Maine.
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54m
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ASL-Interpreted Videos for “Breakdown” Podcast Investigating Deadly Maine Shooting
American Sign Language-interpreted videos for the podcast series “Breakdown: Turning Anguish Into Action,” which examined the deadly 2023 mass shootings in Lewiston, Maine, and the aftermath.
Portland Press Herald & Maine Public
May 8, 2025
What the Lewiston Shooter’s Brain Injury Can Tell Us About Blast Exposure in the Military
Experts say the gunman’s brain tissue points to traumatic injury ‘likely’ caused by blasts in the line of duty; the Army disagrees, but is taking steps to limit exposure.
Portland Press Herald & Maine Public
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Breakdown in Maine
Listen to the enhanced audio-only version of 'Breakdown in Maine,' from FRONTLINE, Maine Public Radio, and the Portland Press herald.
January 9, 2025
Episode 6: 'I Think There’s Hope'
In the aftermath of Lewiston, healing and recovery is taking many forms.
December 31, 2024
Episode 5: 'We’re Still Here'
Four members of Maine's deaf community died in Lewiston in October 2023 in what is believed to be the deadliest mass shooting of deaf people in the U.S.
December 27, 2024
Episode 4: 'They Controlled It All'
Examining the history and politics of guns and hunting in Maine, the state’s unique “yellow flag” gun laws and its powerful gun lobby.
December 20, 2024
There Were Warnings. Why Wasn’t the Shooter in Lewiston, Maine Stopped?
Less than four months before an Army reservist would carry out the deadliest shooting in Maine's history, he was hospitalized for psychosis and clinicians learned he had a "hit list." It was one in a series of warnings laid out in ‘Breakdown in Maine,’ a new documentary from FRONTLINE, Maine Public and the Portland Press Herald.
December 10, 2024
54m
Breakdown in Maine
FRONTLINE, the Portland Press Herald and Maine Public investigate the deadliest mass shooting in Maine history and the missed opportunities to prevent it.
December 10, 2024
Episode 3: 'Dereliction of Duty'
How did leaders of the Army Reserve respond to the many, clear warning signs about the Lewiston shooter, a part-time soldier who was in a dangerous, downward spiral? And why didn’t they take further action?
November 22, 2024
Episode 2: 'I Believe He Is Going To Snap'
Months before the mass shooting in Lewiston that claimed 18 lives, the gunman’s family and friends were desperately trying to get him help.
November 8, 2024
How Maine’s Novel ‘Yellow Flag’ Law Endured After the Lewiston Mass Shooting
Maine’s law is a compromise rooted in a tradition of gun rights that crosses the political aisle.
Portland Press Herald & Maine Public
October 30, 2024