A mass shooting has taken place in Lewiston, Maine, leaving at least 22 people dead and dozens injured.[0] Law enforcement officials are currently searching for a person of interest in the case, identified as 40-year-old Robert Card. The shootings occurred at the Sparetime Recreation, a bowling alley, and the Schemengees Bar. The Lewiston Police Department has urged the public to not approach Card and to report any information on his whereabouts to law enforcement.
The police department has shared an image of a vehicle they believe is associated with the suspect.[1] The vehicle is described as a small, white SUV with a front bumper possibly painted black. Maine State Police have confirmed that the image is indeed the suspect's car.[2] Authorities have asked anyone who recognizes the vehicle to contact them.
Maine Governor Janet Mills has been briefed on the situation and has urged people in the area to follow the directions of state and local enforcement.[3] She is closely monitoring the situation and maintaining contact with public safety officials.[3]
President Joe Biden has also been briefed on the situation and will continue to receive updates.[4] The White House has offered full federal support in response to the shootings.[5]
The Central Maine Medical Center is treating the injured from the mass shooting and is coordinating with other hospitals in the area to provide care.[6] The hospital has described the event as a “mass casualty, mass shooter event.”[4]
The Androscoggin County Sheriff's Office has urged all businesses in the area to lock down or close while the investigation is ongoing.[5] They have also asked residents to stay inside their homes with the doors locked and to report any suspicious activity or individuals to 911.[7]
The shootings have caused widespread concern and sadness. Maine Senator Angus King expressed his deep sadness for the city of Lewiston and all those affected by the tragedy.[8] He has been in regular contact with local authorities and will be returning to Maine to support the community.
The incident has garnered national attention, with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives responding to assist local authorities. The situation in Lewiston is still unfolding, and updates are being provided as new information becomes available.
The shootings highlight the ongoing issue of gun violence in the United States and the need for comprehensive measures to address this problem. The incident has once again sparked debates about gun control and the need for stricter regulations to prevent such tragedies from occurring. As the investigation continues, the focus remains on apprehending the suspect and providing support to the victims and their families.
0. “Mass Shooting In Maine Sees 22 Dead, Manhunt Underway For Shooting Suspect – Update” Deadline, 26 Oct. 2023, https://deadline.com/2023/10/mass-shooting-maine-sees-16-dead-manhunt-underway-1235583661/
1. “At least 16 feared dead in mass shootings in US city of Lewiston, Maine” BBC.com, 26 Oct. 2023, https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-67224544
2. “At least 22 people dead and suspect at large after shootings in Lewiston, Maine, officials say” KTVZ, 26 Oct. 2023, https://ktvz.com/news/national-world/cnn-national/2023/10/25/at-least-16-people-dead-and-suspect-at-large-after-shootings-in-area-of-lewiston-maine-authorities-say/
3. “Mass shooting hits multiple locations in Lewiston, Maine” Yahoo! Voices, 26 Oct. 2023, https://www.yahoo.com/gma/active-shooter-situation-lewiston-maine-002004508.html
4. “Active situation in Lewiston; Maine State Police, local police on scene” WMTW Portland, 25 Oct. 2023, https://www.wmtw.com/article/active-situation-lewiston-police-troopers-maine/45645793
5. “”Mass casualty, mass shooter event” in Maine, hospital says” Axios, 26 Oct. 2023, https://www.axios.com/2023/10/26/lewiston-maine-shootings
6. “22 dead, up to 60 wounded in mass shooting in Maine, officials say” Scripps News, 26 Oct. 2023, https://scrippsnews.com/stories/police-in-maine-search-for-suspect-amid-an-active-shooter-hunt/
7. “At least 22 killed in Lewiston shootings, reports say, suspect at large” WABI, 26 Oct. 2023, https://www.wabi.tv/2023/10/26/least-16-killed-lewiston-shootings-reports-say-suspect-large/
8. “Live coverage: Lewiston police tell NBC more than 20 believed dead in mass shooting” NewsCenterMaine.com WCSH-WLBZ, 26 Oct. 2023, https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/local/public-safety/police-respond-to-active-shooter-in-lewiston-public-safety-investigation-sparetime-recreation/97-3be50eb6-406d-4038-a300-62696a9421c6
