Man Fires Shots Near Jewish Summer Camp Basketball Courts in Maine, Citing Lawn Damage

Nathan Youitt, a 36-year-old resident of Maine, opened fire on August 7 near the basketball courts of the Jewish summer camp "Camp Modin" in Belgrade, according to court documents. The shooting forced children as young as seven to take shelter while camp security, wearing bulletproof vests and armed, protected them. A police affidavit published by the New York Post indicates that Youitt is suspected of an antisemitic motive. The incident followed a confrontation between Youitt and camp security after he claimed his lawnmower was damaged by the camp. Shortly after, multiple gunshots were fired.

Police raided Youitt's home and seized 23 weapons, including semi-automatic firearms, as well as cartridges indicating the shots were aimed at the basketball courts. After his arrest, Youitt was released on bail but was ordered to stay away from the camp. Despite this, camp security reported that Youitt and his father continued to approach the camp boundary and harass staff with shouting. Youitt faces charges including reckless use of a weapon, criminal threats, terrorism, and discharging a firearm near a residence. He is scheduled to appear in court again on November 10.