Three weeks after the fatal shooting of a Biddeford resident by a federal agent, some members of the public are saying the city is not doing enough to support the community while others are saying it’s time to clean up the protest sites
By RANDY SEAVER | Editor
Nearly three weeks after Johan Sebastian Guerrero of Biddeford was fatally shot by federal immigration and customs enforcement (ICE) agents near his home, community tension, anger and grief is still quite palpable and very visible.
On social media platforms and during city council meetings, a handful of residents have leveled accusations of indifference, apathy and inaction toward Biddeford Mayor Liam LaFountain and specific members of the city council.
On Tuesday, the public frustration was clear during the public comment portion of the meeting as a handful of residents took to the podium questioning why the city isn’t doing more.
“You guys are just kicking the can down the road,” said Kelsey Cummings, the owner of a Main Street thrift shop. “You guys need to do a better job. Who is going to take responsibility? Who is going to take accountability?”
. . .
Over the last few months, Cummings has become a frequent critic of the city, using social media and public meetings to angrily raise concerns about topics ranging from removal of diseased trees on Main Street to a lack of city support for small business owners.
On Tuesday, Cummings took a deliberate and sarcastic swipe at LaFountain, reminding him of his November campaign pledge to bring transparency and accountability to City Hall.
“You guys are just kicking
— Kelcey Cummings
the can down the road.”
Evan Lockwood, Cummings’ partner, used his time at the podium to specifically criticize Council President Roger Beaupre, who formerly served as the city’s police chief for more than 40 years.
Although he was visibly shaken and wiped tears from his face while listening to public comments during a special July 20 council meeting — Beaupre is one of three city councilors who did not speak at that meeting, which was designed to provide a public forum for sharing concerns in the immediate aftermath of the shooting.
“You had nothing to say? Lockwood asked rhetorically, locking eyes with Beaupre. “That’s sad. Really. That’s sad. You – so monotone – (uggh) – say something. Feel something. The people are feeling and they’re hurt. You guys are supposed to be the ones representing us.”
Lockwood ended his remarks by complaining that the city hasn’t begun work on a memorial. “The fact that it hasn’t been started is shameful.”
. . .
But other residents were less critical of the city, while still expressing hopes that the city will establish a permanent memorial.
Robert Cabeca told councilors that he lives close to where Guerrero was killed and that he has taken part in helping maintain a makeshift memorial near the crime scene at the intersection of Hill and Pool streets.
“Honoring a life and memorializing a death are two different things,” Cabeca said, expressing his hope that a permanent memorial would reflect the wishes of Guerrero’s family.
Cabeca said he and others who have volunteered to help maintain the site have received community support but have also been subject to violent and racist remarks from passing motorists and others.
Cabeca said he has received death threats after posting his support of Guerrero’s family on social media accounts. “For the first time, I now lock doors after two years of living in Biddeford,” he said.
Councilors address concerns and criticisms
. . .
While some residents are demanding that the city should establish a permanent memorial to honor Guerrero and his family, other residents are raising concerns about graffiti, trash and minor vandalism that is connected to ongoing anti-ICE protests at Mechanics Park, one of the city most visible locations.
Although city councilors are not allowed to directly respond during the public comment session, Beaupre, LaFountain and Councilor Marc Lessard addressed several issues that have been expressed on social media, emails and during public meetings.
Lessard suggested that the council should consider developing a public policy regarding how city parks and other public spaces can be used for political protest.
“There are two sides to this,” Lessard said. “Part of our population wants to continue mourning, and others want things cleaned up.”
“Part of our population wants
— Councilor Marc Lessard
to continue mourning,
and others want things
cleaned up.”
Beaupre reminded the audience that his entire career was spent in law enforcement and that there are specific rules and procedures in place when it comes to how homicide crimes are investigated in Maine.
“You make statements after the facts are known,” Beaupre said. “This investigation is being handled by state police and the Maine Attorney General’s office. The Biddeford Police Department is not part of this investigation, and provided only traffic control.”
“Do I feel badly? Beaupre said, looking toward the audience. “Yes, I do.”
While Beaupre said he supports the idea of a permanent memorial, he also said that “Mechanics Park belongs to the entire community.”
Beaupre echoed Lessard’s suggestion of creating an ordinance to specifically address both temporary and permanent memorials, and said the city should not suppress free speech or public demonstrations.
“I’ve been around long enough to remember the Vietnam War, and I know that one man’s vulgarity is another man’s lyric,” he said, referencing an argument that was made during a 1971 U.S. Supreme Court case about war protests.
“For me, the time for a temporary memorial has come to an end,” Beaupre said, noting that Mechanics Park is near a congested and “chaotic” intersection.
Mayor provides update regarding city’s response
. . .
Mayor Liam LaFountain said he understands many of the questions and concerns being raised about what is happening in the aftermath of the July 13 shooting.
“What happened in our city on July 13 has touched every corner of our community,” LaFountain said. “There is no playbook about how to handle these situations.”
LaFountain said every decision and action he takes in response to the shooting will be centered upon the needs and wishes of Guerrero’s family.
LaFountain also reminded the public that the city has no role to play in the ongoing investigation and asked the public to assist with the state investigation if they have any information about the shooting.
“There is no playbook
— Mayor Liam LaFountain
about how to handle
these situations.”
LaFountain said he has also been working closely with Maine’s federal delegation, including Senators Susan Collins and Angus King; and is working closely with U.S. Rep. Chellie Pingree to explore options of meeting with other members of Congress about the July 13 shooting.
The mayor said he’s been working closely with the mayors of Houston and Minneapolis to share resources and learn more about how those cities are handling similar incidents.
LaFountain praised the professionalism and responsiveness of department heads and other city staffers who have all demonstrated their commitment under “very difficult conditions.”
“What matters now is that we remain willing to listen, and take every opportunity to learn,” the mayor said. “This will be an ongoing process, and it’s something we’ll have to do together.
“What we do will not always be perfect, but that’s the compass I’m trying to follow,” LaFountain said.
. . .
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