July 13 will perhaps be remembered as one of Biddeford’s darkest days, but we also witnessed several moments of inspiration, community solidarity and some examples of true political leadership
From the Biddeford Gazette’s board of directors
By any measure, this has been a difficult week to live in Biddeford. Our community has been unwittingly – and somewhat reluctantly – thrust upon a national stage and remains under a virtual microscope.
Despite the tragic event on July 13 and the ensuing rage, grief and confusion, Biddeford and its people – for the most part — rose above the chaos and demonstrated the very finest elements of what it means to live in a community.
We showed the entire world that this is a place where neighbors care about their neighbors; a place where local leaders lead without pontification; a place where businesses, non-profit organizations, city employees and everyday residents immediately and simply asked “how can I help.”
We want answers, and we demand accountability.
Those are also Biddeford’s core values, which are inherent elements of our city’s culture and heritage — a community that not only welcomed immigrants but gave them the opportunity to assimilate and pursue a better life.
Biddeford is not alone in its immigrant culture or heritage. From its earliest days, what became the United States was constructed and conceived by those who came here from other lands — beginning with Norse explorers in the northern Atlantic and the “puritans” who fled to these shores to escape religious persecution.
Our differences, our varied backgrounds and cultural beliefs – our diversity is the source of our strength.
That is community.
For better or worse, the Biddeford Gazette had a front-row seat to the many moving parts of the story that at times felt emotionally exhausting and overwhelming – but we had a job to do.
Journalists are required to set aside emotion and stay rigidly focused upon facts. That is easier said than done for all of us – but it is critically important.
Despite the intense pressure, anger, grief and confusion, our neutral perspective allowed us to see the very best of Biddeford during one of the most challenging events in our city’s history.
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Examples of leadership in the face of crisis
While we saw a few unfortunate examples of politicians who seemed all too eager to tap into the chaos and rage for little more than self-promotion, we also witnessed some notable examples of outstanding political leadership and the highest ideals of community service from some of our local political leaders.
Biddeford Mayor Liam LaFountain, State Rep. Marc Malon and Biddeford City Councilor Marc Lessard stepped up to the plate and offered stability, dignity, empathy and a commitment to ideals without any indication of self-promotion.
Those three community leaders were just as troubled, angered and upset as the people they represent – but they remained calm, measured and focused on what is best for the community.
In November, Malon and Lessard – men with very different political perspectives – will be doing everything possible to curry favor with voters and battling one another to represent one portion of Biddeford in the next Legislature.
But on Monday, July 13 – only hours after Johan Sebastian Guerro was shot and killed near the intersection of Hill and Pool streets – both Lessard and Malon were entirely focused on their community, not their political aspirations.
Liam LaFountain, Marc Malon
and Marc Lessard offered stability,
dignity and a steady commitment
to ideals without political self-promotion.
There is a popular cynical observation generally shared by reporters that “the most dangerous place in the world is the space between a politician and a camera.”
But Malon and Lessard were not chasing cameras or giving into their own raw emotions, fueling anger and division for political points.
When asked for a comment, Malon was measured and direct. He shared that he was troubled and angry about what happened, but his central message was that people should stay safe and be careful about what was being posted on social media. He urged accountability and a thorough investigation without politicizing the tragedy.
Likewise, we spotted Lessard at Mechanic’s Park as the protest and rally was heating up on Monday evening. Lessard told us that he was there simply to show support for his community and our mayor.
Lessard was worried that LaFountain might feel overwhelmed by a large group of reporters and protestors from all over New England and beyond.
Lessard did not speak. He did not seek the attention of reporters. He simply stood in the background – silently and respectfully showing solidarity with the mayor.
In the days and weeks ahead, we should all strive to exemplify the leadership qualities that LaFountain, Lessard and Malon showed us in the midst of a crisis.
July 13, 2026 was one of Biddeford’s worst days, but it was also one of Biddeford’s best days.
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