A devastating series of mass shootings unfolded in the town of Lewiston, Maine, on Wednesday evening, resulting in at least 22 fatalities and numerous injuries. Local authorities reported that the gunman, identified as 40-year-old Robert R. Card, remained at large, prompting a massive police search.
Hundreds of law enforcement officers fanned out across the state of Maine in pursuit of the suspect. Earlier, authorities shared photographs on social media of a bearded man in a brown hoodie and jeans at one of the crime scenes, brandishing what appeared to be a semi-automatic rifle in a firing position.
“We have literally hundreds of police officers working around the state of Maine to investigate this case to locate Mr. Card, who is a person of interest,” stated Maine Public Safety Commissioner Mike Sauschuck during a news conference.
A white SUV believed to have been driven by Card was discovered in the town of Lisbon, approximately 7 miles (11 kilometers) southeast of Lewiston. As a safety measure, residents were advised to remain indoors in both Lewiston and Lisbon.
The Androscoggin County Sheriff’s Department emphasized on social media, “We are encouraging all businesses to lock down and/or close while we investigate. The suspect is still at large.”
The White House confirmed that President Joe Biden had been briefed on the situation, and Maine Governor Janet Mills stated that she had been informed of the active shooter incident in Lewiston.
According to CNN, multiple law enforcement sources reported that at least 50 to 60 people sustained injuries in the incidents. However, it remained unclear how many of these injuries resulted from gunfire.
The tragic sequence of events began with reports of an active shooter at the Sparetime Recreation bowling alley around 7:15 PM local time, to which police and rescuers responded. Subsequently, further reports of a shooting at the Schemengees Bar & Grille emerged. Another shooting incident at a local Walmart distribution center was reported at 8:15 PM, as per the Sun Journal local newspaper.
Maine Congressman Jared Golden shared his concern on social media, saying, “Like all Mainers, I’m horrified by the events in Lewiston tonight. This is my hometown.”
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“Right now, all of us are looking to local law enforcement as they gain control of the situation and gather information. Our hearts break for those who are affected,” he added.
The United States has long grappled with the issue of gun violence, recording over 500 mass shootings this year alone, according to the Gun Violence Archive. Efforts to implement stricter gun control measures have faced resistance, despite the widespread outrage over recurring shootings.
Lewiston, the second most populous city in Maine, is located approximately 30 miles (50 kilometers) north of Portland, the state’s largest city.
SOURCE: VARIOUS
