I thought the unthinkable couldn’t happen here. Until it did.

The night of Oct. 25, 2023 – the shock, the pain, the trauma – is forever burned in my mind and heart. As I know it is for so many Mainers.

Eighteen innocent people were murdered that night in Lewiston. Eighteen of our fellow Mainers. Mothers and fathers. Brothers and sisters. Friends. Community leaders. A 14-year-old boy.

All because of one unstable individual – and one destructive weapon. A weapon of war that has no place in our communities.

It was the worst mass shooting in our state’s history, and the 10th deadliest ever in the U.S. From the first reports of an active shooter to when the killer’s body was found two nights later – 48 hours of tears, anguish, fear and anxiety – Mainers everywhere were forced to confront the unthinkable. The unspeakable.

It happened here. In our state. To our citizens. In one of our most vibrant and dynamic communities. How? Why?

One year later, so many of us are still searching for answers.

One year later, the pain and trauma remain. Especially for those who lost a loved one that night.

One year later, an entire city is still trying to pick up the pieces.

One year later, our state is still in mourning.

As I reflect on that tragic, terrible night and its aftermath, the shock and pain aren’t the only things I remember.

I also remember the acts of heroism and sacrifice.

I remember the bravery of the first responders, and the incredible efforts by local authorities to track down the killer and keep the surrounding communities safe.

I remember the outpouring of love and support for the people of Lewiston – from neighbors, from people throughout Maine, from citizens across the country and around the world.

I remember the inspiration I felt watching this amazing city come together. Grieve together. Heal together. Rebuild together.

I remember how proud I was to be a Mainer, and all that word entails.

Today, one year later, let us all remember and honor the victims of this horrifying tragedy. Let us hold them – and their loved ones – in our thoughts, prayers and hearts.

Let us all remember the strength, grace and resilience of the people of Lewiston, and the many Maine communities that came together in the name of service and sacrifice.

Let us all remember the anguish and sorrow we felt, that night and in the ensuing days, and acknowledge that, for far too many, this anguish and sorrow will never fully subside.

Let us all remember. And let us never forget.

But let us also do what we can, as neighbors, as Mainers, as citizens, to ensure that never forget means never again.

By passing common-sense gun-control measures, such as universal background checks and red flag laws, ideas that more than 70% of Mainers (and a majority of Americans) strongly support.

By banning assault weapons like the one used in Lewiston, which have caused so much trauma in this country, and whose only practical purpose is mass destruction.

By making real, permanent investments in mental health services, to ensure that everyone – including servicemembers and reservists – gets the help they need.

By doing what Americans have so often done when confronted with the hardest, most harrowing challenges: the right thing.

One year ago, the unthinkable happened here. Never forget.

And never again.