Police Investigate Antisemitic Motive in Shooting at Jewish Summer Camp in Maine

A significant development occurred in the investigation of a shooting incident at Camp Modin, a longstanding Jewish summer camp in Belgrade, Maine. On August 7, Nathan Hewett, 36, a local resident, allegedly fired about 20 rounds from a semi-automatic rifle following a confrontation with camp security. At the time, around 400 campers and staff were present, but no injuries were reported. Camp Modin, founded in 1922 to strengthen Jewish identity among immigrant children in the US, is one of the oldest Jewish camps in the country.

Hewett was found intoxicated at his home and arrested, with numerous weapons seized during a search. He faces charges related to weapons offenses and intimidation. Court documents revealed by the camp's management, including a detention affidavit by Deputy Sheriff Tyler Johnson, indicated suspicion of antisemitic bias, although Hewett was not charged with a hate crime. Evidence suggested some bullets were fired toward the camp's basketball court. Security personnel locked down the camp, donned protective gear, and armed themselves to protect the children.

Authorities initially set Hewett's bail at $50,000, but he has since been released under conditions prohibiting possession of dangerous weapons, alcohol consumption, and approaching within 1,000 feet of the camp or the shooting site. Camp director and owner Pascal Cohen requested a protective order, stating that Hewett had long harassed the camp through vehicle lights, nighttime fireworks, and nearby gunfire, indicating the shooting was part of ongoing intimidation.