Lewiston Shooting Victims Fund Misappropriation: Nonprofits Pocketed $2M Meant for Survivors

Investigation into Victim Funds

• 💡 Amy Sussman, whose nephew was killed in the Lewiston shooting, investigated fundraising efforts after seeing a publication from the Maine Community Foundation.
• 🎯 Sussman discovered that nearly $2 million from funds intended for survivors and victims' families was instead given to 29 different nonprofits.
• ⚠️ Many of these nonprofits were unhelpful or had closed, failing to provide support to those directly affected by the tragedy.

Discrepancy in Fund Distribution

• 📌 Survivors and families were initially told 100% of the funds would go to them, making the revelation of nonprofit diversion extremely revictimizing.
• 💰 A shooting survivor, Jennifer Zanka, who was shot twice, received $32,000, while some nonprofits received $65,000, and others received $93,000 for hospital bills that were eventually covered by insurance.
• 📉 Those who survived but were not shot received only $7,000, highlighting a significant disparity in fund allocation.

Calls for Accountability and Audit

• ❓ Amy Sussman questioned whether the governor was involved in directing funds to the Maine Community Foundation and what parameters were set for their use.
• 🗣️ John Featherston, a reporter, noted that many nonprofits were reluctant to disclose how the funds were used, sometimes labeling inquiries as racist.
• 📢 There is a demand for a complete audit and for the Maine Community Foundation to provide a clear accounting of all funds distributed.

Governor's Response and Public Uproar

• 🚫 Governor Janet Mills has been criticized for not answering questions about the fund's distribution and for allegedly avoiding communication with Sussman and Featherston.
• 📢 Some are calling for Governor Mills to resign due to the handling of the tragedy and the subsequent controversy.
• 📈 Public anger is growing in Maine as more residents become aware of the situation, with expectations of continued uproar.

Proposed Resolution

• 💰 Amy Sussman believes the $1.9 million diverted to nonprofits should be returned to the victims and survivors, as there is still significant need within the community.
• ✅ She asserts that the Maine Community Foundation has the ability and the funds to rectify the situation and fulfill their original promise.