Liban Hassan Lewiston Obituary course of death – Liban Hassan Shot, Killed at Masjidu Salaam Mosque
Police provided additional details Tuesday afternoon regarding a shooting that took place Friday night outside a local mosque on Bartlett Street. Authorities released the name of the victim involved in the incident, identifying him as 19-year-old Liban Hassan of Lewiston.
According to a Facebook post by the Lewiston Police Department, officers responded to reports of gunfire at Masjidu Salaam Mosque, located at 243 Bartlett Street, at approximately 9:45 p.m. Friday.
The call came as multiple reports of gunshots flooded the department’s dispatch center. When police arrived at the scene, they encountered a large gathering of mosque members who had assembled for prayer in observance of Ramadan.
Upon investigating, officers spoke with a witness who confirmed that a shooting had occurred in the mosque’s parking lot during the religious congregation. However, according to the police report, cooperation from those present at the mosque was limited.
“There was not a lot of cooperation from the numerous Mosque members who were attending prayer,” the department stated in its Facebook post.
Shortly after the incident, Hassan was transported to St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center, where he was treated for a non-life-threatening injury. The police report noted that he was dropped off at the hospital around 10 p.m. and did not provide useful information to law enforcement. Despite his reluctance to cooperate, police stated that “all indications suggest he was shot during the shooting incident.”
The following morning, police returned to the mosque’s parking lot to conduct a more thorough search for evidence. During their investigation, officers discovered over a dozen shell casings from multiple types of firearms, suggesting that several individuals had discharged weapons during the altercation. This discovery led police to believe that the shooting involved multiple shooters.
Later, authorities located Hassan’s vehicle, which had been abandoned. The car had sustained significant damage, with numerous bullet holes visible throughout the exterior. Law enforcement impounded the vehicle and conducted a search after obtaining a warrant. However, details regarding any evidence recovered from the vehicle have not yet been disclosed.
Hassan has since been discharged from the hospital but continues to withhold information from police regarding the incident, the department stated in its Facebook post. The lack of cooperation from both the victim and other witnesses has made the investigation more challenging for law enforcement.
The police department’s claim that mosque-goers were largely uncooperative has sparked some controversy. Rilwan Osman, director of Maine Immigrant and Refugee Services, took to social media to dispute the department’s assertion. In a comment on the Facebook post, Osman challenged the claim that mosque attendees refused to assist authorities.
“This is not true,” Osman wrote. “Many people cooperated and answered questions and provided information to the responding officers. It’s sad to see Lewiston Maine Police Department saying not a lot of people cooperated with them. Wrong messages like this is why people don’t want to cooperate!”
Osman’s comment reflects broader concerns within immigrant and refugee communities regarding interactions with law enforcement. Many community members may feel hesitant to engage with police due to fear of retaliation, past negative experiences, or concerns about immigration status.
Advocates for the local immigrant community have previously called for improved relations between law enforcement and residents to ensure public safety and build trust.
As the investigation remains ongoing, Lewiston police continue to seek assistance from the public. They urge anyone with knowledge of the shooting to come forward and provide information that may help identify those responsible. Individuals who wish to remain anonymous can submit tips through the department’s anonymous tip line at 1-207-513-3194.
The shooting has raised concerns within the local community, particularly given the sacred timing of the incident during Ramadan, a month of fasting, prayer, and reflection observed by Muslims worldwide.
The Masjidu Salaam Mosque serves as a vital religious and community center for many immigrants and refugees in Lewiston, making the violence even more unsettling for those who rely on the mosque for spiritual guidance and communal support.
Community leaders have expressed hopes that the situation will be resolved swiftly and that authorities will take necessary steps to ensure the safety of all residents.
As the investigation progresses, law enforcement officials encourage cooperation and stress the importance of sharing any relevant details that could lead to arrests and the prevention of future violence.
While the exact motive behind the shooting remains unclear, police continue to analyze the collected evidence, including the bullet casings, the damaged vehicle, and any potential surveillance footage that may have captured the events of Friday night.
The Lewiston Police Department reassures the public that it is actively working on the case and will provide updates as more information becomes available. In the meantime, they emphasize the significance of community engagement in ensuring justice is served and public safety is maintained.
