LePage Accuses NGOs of Misappropriating Donations for Lewiston Shooting Victims

Former Maine Governor Paul LePage, who is running for the state’s 2nd Congressional District, has joined other victims of the Lewiston shootings in alleging that various nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) have redirected donations meant for the victims to politically linked groups, particularly those aiding immigrants in Maine.

Following the tragic mass shooting in Lewiston in 2023, which marked the deadliest such event in the state’s history, millions were raised for victims and their families through the Maine Community Foundation (MCF).

LePage and the victims point out that nearly $2 million of the funds raised reportedly did not benefit the victims at all. Instead, it seems these donations were funneled to local organizations that had no ties to the shooting or those affected by it.

“Ann and I were excited to raise over $474,000 for the families and victims of the Lewiston shooting,” LePage remarked. “At that moment, we felt an immense wave of support from our community. Now, I’m genuinely worried that the money intended for these victims has been misdirected.”

He added that among the 29 groups receiving the misallocated funds were several organizations assisting newly arrived immigrants, such as AK Collaborative, Empowered Immigrant Women Unite, and others.

Jennifer Zanca, who suffered a gunshot wound in the incident, shared her mixed feelings regarding the funds: “I’m grateful for the support, but I’m also frustrated by my $93,000 in hospital bills that insurance refused to cover. Learning that MCF was giving out more money to nonprofits than what a seriously injured person received, it was eye-opening.”

Destiny Johnson, an eyewitness to the shooting, expressed concern that those who donated were unaware that a portion of their contributions wouldn’t go directly to victims and survivors. “I feel betrayed,” she said. “Many families still face financial struggles, yet these donations went elsewhere.”

Kelsey Hathaway, whose brother Max lost his life in the shooting, echoed similar sentiments. “Our tragedy seems to have been exploited to mislead people eager to help families in dire situations,” she stated. “We had faith in this foundation, but their lack of transparency about fund distribution made us realize our needs weren’t prioritized.”

In light of these revelations, LePage is urging the Maine Government Oversight Commission to look into the situation. “The families need a comprehensive investigation into how the foundation communicated with both victims and donors, why unrelated groups accessed these funds, and how the money was utilized,” he said. “These families deserve answers.”