Suspect in Maine Mall Shooting Appears in Court

Ahmed Basheer Awad, 20, of Westbrook, Maine, appeared in court after being charged with elevated aggravated assault following a shooting at the Maine Mall. Awad turned himself in to South Portland Police at the Cumberland County Jail, a day after the incident, which left a man in his 20s with a gunshot wound to his leg; the victim is expected to survive. Awad's bail was set at $250,000, and he faces additional charges, including reckless conduct with a dangerous weapon and carrying a concealed weapon. The shooting prompted a swift police response, securing the mall's exits and evacuating patrons, although Awad had already fled through the food court. Awad had previous legal issues, including a dropped charge for carrying a concealed weapon and a conviction for violating conditions of release in 2023. The firearm used in the shooting has not been recovered, and further charges may be pursued as the investigation continues.