Liban Hassan Lewiston Death and Obituary – On the night of Friday, March 7, 2025, a shooting occurred outside Masjidu Salaam Mosque, located at 243 Bartlett Street in Lewiston. The victim, identified as 19-year-old Liban Hassan of Lewiston, was shot during the mosque’s evening prayer service in observance of Ramadan, a significant period for Muslims worldwide. The incident has sparked controversy and raised concerns regarding community-police relations, as well as the safety of local residents.
At approximately 9:45 p.m., the Lewiston Police Department responded to multiple reports of gunfire near the mosque. Upon arrival, officers found a large gathering of mosque members who had gathered for prayer. The police were informed by a witness that the shooting had occurred in the mosque’s parking lot during the congregation. However, cooperation from the mosque attendees was reported as limited, with some community members unwilling to provide information or assist law enforcement.
Liban Hassan was transported to St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center with a non-life-threatening injury shortly after the incident. Despite being treated at the hospital, Hassan did not provide useful information to the authorities regarding the circumstances of the shooting. This lack of cooperation from the victim, as well as from other witnesses at the mosque, has significantly hindered the police investigation.
On the following day, the Lewiston Police Department returned to the mosque’s parking lot to search for further evidence. During their investigation, officers discovered more than a dozen shell casings from multiple types of firearms. This finding suggests that the shooting involved several individuals discharging their weapons. Additionally, police discovered Hassan’s vehicle, which had been abandoned and sustained severe damage, including multiple bullet holes. The vehicle was impounded for further investigation, although details of any evidence recovered have not yet been disclosed.
As the investigation continues, it has become clear that the lack of cooperation from both the victim and other witnesses has created challenges for law enforcement in identifying those responsible for the shooting. This situation has sparked controversy, especially after the Lewiston Police Department claimed that many mosque-goers were uncooperative. Rilwan Osman, the director of Maine Immigrant and Refugee Services, publicly contested this assertion, arguing that many individuals had indeed cooperated with the police. Osman emphasized that such statements from law enforcement could further erode trust between the immigrant and refugee community and local police, especially considering the fears of retaliation or other negative consequences that often discourage individuals from engaging with authorities.
The shooting incident has raised alarm within Lewiston’s immigrant community, particularly given the timing during Ramadan. The Masjidu Salaam Mosque serves as a central place of worship and support for many immigrants and refugees in the area. The violence in such a sacred setting has left the community feeling unsettled and vulnerable.
Local community leaders and advocates are calling for greater collaboration between law enforcement and residents, emphasizing the need for trust-building efforts to improve public safety. The Lewiston Police Department is actively seeking information from the public to help identify those responsible for the shooting and to prevent future incidents. They encourage anyone with relevant information to come forward, either anonymously or directly, to assist in the investigation.
The investigation is ongoing, with law enforcement continuing to analyze evidence such as bullet casings, the damaged vehicle, and potential surveillance footage that may provide further insight into the events of that night. The police remain committed to resolving the case and ensuring the safety of all residents in the community. As more information becomes available, authorities have assured the public that updates will be provided, stressing the importance of community cooperation in ensuring justice is served.
