Shootings in Lewiston, Maine: 22 Dead and Manhunt for 'Person of Interest' Underway
In a violent outbreak in Lewiston, Maine, at least 22 individuals lost their lives, and many others sustained injuries after two separate shootings took place in a bowling alley and a restaurant. Authorities are now actively searching for a person of interest related to these events.
Robert Card, 40, from Bowdoin, has been identified as the person of interest and is considered to be armed and potentially dangerous, as stated by Mike Sauschuck, the Commissioner of the Maine Department of Public Safety.
Officials disclosed to CNN that Card is recognized as a certified firearms instructor and holds a position in the US Army Reserve. It's reported that Card had recently threatened to initiate a shooting at a National Guard facility situated in Saco, Maine. Furthermore, he had declared experiencing mental health issues, inclusive of auditory hallucinations.
Commissioner Sauschuck refrained from divulging further information about Card during a press briefing.
Robert McCarthy, a Lewiston City Councilor, informed CNN, based on details from a city administrator, that the death toll had reached at least 22.
The shootings reportedly transpired around 7 p.m. ET. Active shooter incidents were reported at Sparetime Recreation, a bowling establishment on Mollison Way, and Schemengees Bar & Grille Restaurant on Lincoln Street.
Local businesses received advice to either implement a lockdown or temporarily close as the investigation proceeded, a directive given by the Androscoggin County Sheriff’s Office through a Facebook post. The Sheriff's Office also shared images of a possible suspect wielding an assault-style rifle.
Commissioner Sauschuck announced shelter-in-place orders for residents of Lewiston and the adjacent town of Lisbon. He also mentioned the discovery of a "vehicle of interest" in Lisbon. Prior to this, an image of a possible suspect's vehicle, a white SUV with a distinctively painted black front bumper, had been circulated by the Lewiston police.
Lewiston, situated 36 miles north of Portland, is recognized as Maine's second most populous city.
Residents were encouraged to remain indoors with their doors securely locked. The state police advised the public to report any suspicious activities or individuals.
Although initial reports from a city spokesperson suggested a shooting occurrence at a Walmart distribution center, Walmart representatives refuted their facilities' involvement in these incidents.
Residents in the proximate city of Auburn were also strongly advised to seek shelter due to the prevailing threat. Auburn is located approximately 2 miles west of Lewiston.
The FBI's Boston division is liaising with Maine law enforcement agencies and has extended its support by offering resources to aid in the investigation.
Governor Janet Mills of Maine, having been informed about the ongoing crisis, urged locals to heed the instructions from state and local enforcement agencies. She pledged to stay abreast of the situation while maintaining close communication with safety officials.