LEWISTON — Parents gathered at Montello Elementary on Tuesday night for a safety information session as rising gun violence in the city continues to affect local youth.

The gathering was the first of two organized by the city, Lewiston Public Schools and the Lewiston Police Department to share resources and address concerns.

“This is a step in what I think is a long commitment,” Lewiston Schools Superintendent Jake Langlais said, adding that community effort was needed in the long run.

“A meeting like this isn’t going to fix everything, but we’re hoping we can share valuable information and resources so that we can better equip you, your neighbors, our kids, about things to look for, what efforts are being made,” he said.

“Because I think, at least from my perspective, too often gun violence in a community ties immediately back to substance use or substance abuse,” Langlais continued. “It’s a fact. It doesn’t mean that abusers are shooting people, but there’s a linkage back to substance use.”

The presentation offered practical safety strategies for families, such as monitoring erratic behavior in teenagers, shopping habits and online interactions. “You really want to monitor what they’re doing when they’re not with you and what they’re doing when they’re with you,” Langlais said.

A moment of silence honored those lost to violence and drugs.

Lewiston Police Chief David St. Pierre stressed the need for open communication to separate rumors from real threats and take action when needed.

“We all think that we know what a gun looks like, but today, fake guns look more real than ever,” he said.

“Airsoft replicas, even some toy guns are nearly identical to firearms,” the chief said. “That’s why it’s so important to teach them to never point a gun, even a fake one, at anyone. The risk is simply just too great.

“Gun safety isn’t just about laws, it’s about awareness, responsibility, and protecting our kids,” St. Pierre said.

‘It’s scary’

Dailath Leavitt, who works for the district and has a first grader in Lewiston, said the rise in gun violence among youth is “scary.”

“I grew up (in Lewiston) and I wanted to stay here because I love my home,” she said. “But hearing about gun violence … I care about my daughter, I care about all the kids. It’s really scary to hear what’s going on.”

“As an adult, I want to help. What can I do? What more can I do to prevent anything terrible happening?” Leavitt asked.

Asli Hassan, a mother of nine students in Lewiston public schools, said gun violence was “hurting our community.”

“Even if nothing bad happens to me, it could happen to my neighbor or the someone around me,” she said. “That is hurting our community.”

“I have three kids in high school, two in middle school, and four in Montello,” Hassan said. “What’s happening is terrifying.”

A second safety session is set for Thursday at Lewiston Middle School Auditorium at 5:30 p.m. to accommodate families’ schedules.