Maine Nonprofits Accused of Diverting $2 Million in Shooting Victim Donations

Allegations of Misdirected Donations

• 🎯 Victims and families from nationwide shootings are demanding that 29 Maine nonprofits return nearly $2 million in donations.
• 📌 These funds were raised for survivors of Maine's deadliest shooting but were allegedly diverted to organizations with no connection to the victims.

Survivor Accounts and Demands

• 💔 Bob Weiss, whose daughter was killed in a California mass shooting, is asking the nonprofits to return money that was not given to victims.
• ⚡ Jennifer Zena, a survivor of the Maine shooting, shared her struggle with a $93,000 hospital bill, highlighting the intended purpose of the donations.
• 🗣️ Survivors from other shootings across the country are standing with Maine victims, demanding the return of these funds.

Nonprofit Diversion Details

• 💸 A year after the shooting, it was uncovered that $1.9 million went to 29 different nonprofits, with nine serving only the immigrant community.
• 🚫 Organizations like Empowered Immigrant Women and Somali Bontu Community Association are among those accused of benefiting from funds raised on the backs of victims.
• ⚠️ Destiny Johnson, a survivor, questioned why money intended for survivors was given to nonprofits not assisting them.

Calls for Accountability and Legislation

• 💰 Anita Bush, founder of Victims First, stated that donations meant for victims' recovery should not be used for nonprofit overhead or salaries.
• 📜 Family members of victims from other mass shootings, like the one at Amqua Community College, have experienced similar exploitation for decades.
• ⚖️ The Maine Community Foundation stated their communication referred only to the victims and families fund, but victims are calling for legislative action to prevent future misuse of donations.
• 📈 Victims First reports this is not an isolated incident, citing similar issues in Orlando and Aurora, and is advocating for new legislation to protect victims.