Breakdown in Maine

Investigating the deadliest mass shooting in Maine history and missed opportunities to prevent it. FRONTLINE, Portland Press Herald and Maine Public examine breakdowns with police, military and mental health care before the Lewiston shooting.

What does it mean to be a victim? Or a survivor? In a few brief moments in October 2023, 18 lives were lost in Lewiston — and Maine was changed.

In Episode 1 of the ASL-interpreted video of the "Breakdown" podcast, we meet several people who are trying to recover — from the trauma of losing a loved one, from being critically injured and from being psychologically wounded.

Months before the mass shooting in Lewiston that claimed 18 lives, the gunman’s family and friends were desperately trying to get him help.

Episode 2 of the ASL-interpreted video of the "Breakdown" podcast examines the numerous opportunities for intervention that could have changed everything and the warnings about his potential for violence, his access to guns and his threats to do harm.

How did Army Reserve leaders respond to the many warning signs about the Lewiston shooter, a reservist who was in a dangerous spiral? And why didn’t they take further action?

The Army acknowledged some failures but also cast blame elsewhere. Episode 3 of the ASL-interpreted video of the "Breakdown" podcast looks at questionable medical decisions, missed communication and lack of follow up.

When a gunman opened fire in Lewiston, Maine, in October 2023, he used an autoloading rifle. Episode 4 of the ASL-interpreted video of the "Breakdown" podcast examines the history and politics of guns and hunting in Maine, the state’s unique “yellow flag” gun laws and its powerful gun lobby, which shaped state officials’ response to the Lewiston shootings.

Four members of Maine's deaf community died in Lewiston in Oct. 2023, believed to be the deadliest shooting of deaf people in the U.S. The pain was magnified by communication barriers deaf survivors & loved ones faced in the immediate aftermath.

Episode 5 of the ASL-interpreted video of the "Breakdown" podcast examines the outsize impact of the shooting on those who are deaf & hard of hearing.

In the aftermath of Lewiston, healing and recovery is taking many forms — from advocacy to legal action. Episode 5 of the ASL-interpreted video of the "Breakdown" podcast looks at at how some have turned their anguish into action: One shooting location was renovated and reopened. Another has become a nonprofit. One victim’s father now advocates for increased gun control.