Lewiston council convenes special session to address surge in youth gun violence

The Lewiston City Council held a special meeting to examine the city's rising gun violence, hearing from police, the district attorney, and the school superintendent on the challenges of juvenile accountability and resource shortages. Presenters highlighted a significant increase in shootings involving juveniles, a 68% clearance rate for police, and the DA's office's struggle to manage caseloads with only eight prosecutors for three counties.

Key points

• Police Chief Carly Conley reported 19 shootings in 2026, noting a 68% clearance rate that is more than double the national average.
• District Attorney Neil McLean stated the office has only eight prosecutors for 3,250 cases, citing pay parity and burnout as reasons for staff shortages.
• McLean criticized the "chronological immaturity" standard in competency evaluations, arguing it allows juveniles to avoid accountability for serious crimes.
• Superintendent Jake Langless discussed school disciplinary lines and re-entry plans, noting that some students are being used by adults to commit crimes.
• Councilors questioned why Lewiston is a target for this behavior and discussed the limitations of city ordinances compared to state statutes.

Next steps

• The police department plans to launch a community policing program in July and hold a "Beyond the Badge" event on July 23.
• The DA's office will explore funding for the GREAT program and focus deterrence initiatives for youth.
• Councilors and presenters discussed the need to meet with state legislators to propose changes to juvenile competency and detention statutes.

Read the full transcript