LEWISTON, Maine — President Joe Biden is expected to visit the Lewiston area on Friday, NEWS CENTER Maine has learned.
The White House confirmed Wednesday plans for the president and first lady to visit.
Details on the president's visit have not been released, but his visit would come just nine days after the horrific massacres in Maine left 18 people dead and more than a dozen others injured.
The whole community of Maine has been mourning the lives lost from the Oct. 25 mass shooting. The victims were:
- Ron G. Morin, 55
- Peyton Brewer-Ross, 40
- Joshua A. Seal, 36
- Bryan M. MacFarlane, 41
- Joseph Lawrence Walker, 57
- Arthur Fred Strout, 42
- Maxx A. Hathaway, 35
- Stephen M. Vozzella, 45
- Thomas Ryan Conrad, 34
- Michael R. Deslauriers II, 51
- Jason Adam Walker, 51
- Tricia C. Asselin, 53
- William A. Young, 44
- Aaron Young, 14
- Robert E. Violette, 76
- Lucille M. Violette, 73
- William Frank Brackett, 48
- Keith D. Macneir, 64
Androscoggin County staff confirmed Biden's visit Friday but had no details to share.
Biden put out the following statement on Friday after Lewiston gunman Robert Card was found dead:
This has been a tragic two days – not just for Lewiston, Maine, but for our entire country.
Once again, an American community and American families have been devastated by gun violence. In all, at least eighteen souls brutally slain, more injured, some critically, and scores of family and friends praying and experiencing trauma no one ever wants to imagine.
Numerous brave law enforcement officers have worked around the clock to find this suspect and prevent the loss of more innocent life – all while risking their own. They are the best of us.
Tonight we’re grateful that Lewiston and surrounding communities are safe after spending excruciating days hiding in their homes. I thank Governor Janet Mills for her steady leadership during this time of crisis, and continue to direct my administration to provide everything that is needed to support the people of Maine.
Americans should not have to live like this. I once again call on Republicans in Congress to fulfill their obligation to keep the American people safe. Until that day comes, I will continue to do everything in my power to end this gun violence epidemic. The Lewiston community – and all Americans – deserve nothing less.
Stick with NEWS CENTER Maine for details on the president's visit once they are released.