At least 22 people have been killed and dozens injured after a series of shootings across Maine.
Police have launched an emergency search for Robert Card, 40, who has been identified as a person of interest in two shootings in Lewiston, a city located about 55 miles north of Portland.
9
Officers released this photo as they search for a gunman who targeted multiple locations in Lewiston, Maine on WednesdayCredit: Facebook/Androscoggin County Sheriff’s Office
9
The suspect’s car was found in a nearby town after the horrific attacksCredit: Facebook/Lewiston Maine Police
9
At least 22 people were said to have been killed, but police have not yet released an official death toll Credit: AP: Associated Press
9
Card, 40, is an Army firearms instructor, according to reports Credit: Lewiston Maine Police Department
The shooting happened in a bowling alley and a restaurant.
As many as 22 people were killed and 50-60 people were wounded in the attacks on Wednesday night, NBC News reported.
Police officers have not yet released the number of victims, but have warned that the person of interest, Card, is armed and dangerous.
“Police are attempting to locate Robert Card 4/4/1983, as a person of interest in connection with a mass shooting at Schemengees Bar and Sparetime Recreation this evening,” the Lewiston Police Department wrote on Facebook.
“Please contact the police if you know his whereabouts.”
As of 10:30 p.m. local time, residents of Lewiston and nearby Auburn were told to evacuate.
Police also told residents of nearby Lisbon to stay indoors after a car believed to be driven by the suspect was found in town, Mike Sauschuck of the Maine Department of Homeland Security said at a news conference.
“We have hundreds of officers working around Maine,” he said.
“Mr Card is a person of interest and only at this stage. I am not listing him as a suspect at this time.”
Sauschuck declined to give the number of dead and injured.
“This is a very volatile situation,” he said.
“I don’t have official numbers on that. When I do, I’ll be happy to share them with you.”
Sauschuck could not confirm whether police are looking for a second shooter.
He also noted that Card is dangerous and should not be approached.
MILITARY BACKGROUND
Maine State Police released more information about the person of interest in a statement.
“Card is a trained firearms instructor believed to be in the Army Reserve stationed in Saco, ME,” the agency wrote, according to the Associated Press.
“Card recently reported mental health issues, including voices and (threatened) to shoot up the National Guard base in Saco.
“He was also reported to have been committed to a mental health facility for 2 weeks in the summer of 2023.”
The Androscoggin County Sheriff’s Office released a photo of the person wearing a brown jacket, blue pants and tan shoes. He has brown hair and a beard.
“Please stay off the roads to allow emergency responders access to hospitals,” the Lewiston Police Department said in a Facebook post.
The shooting began around 7:15 p.m. at the Sparetime Recreation bowling alley, The Sun Journal reported.
A youth event was scheduled there on Wednesday evening.
There was another shooting at the Schemengees Bar & Grille.
The shooter was spotted at the Walmart distribution center around 8:15 p.m., but did not fire a weapon there.
“This shooting did not occur on Walmart property,” company spokesman Joe Pennington said.
Lewiston Public Schools sent out a message urging those attending parent-teacher conferences to take their seats.
“We’re going into isolation,” Superintendent Jake Langlais said in a text.
“I will provide more information as it becomes available and appropriate.”
CITY IN CHAOS
Medical professionals could be seen running to Central Maine Medical Center in Lewiston, reporter Terry Stackhouse said in clip published on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter.
“Seeing several life flights from Lewiston, back and forth on flight radar,” one person chirped.
Around 11:30 p.m., armed policemen could also be seen entering and leaving the building.
Some families were desperately waiting for answers outside the medical center.
“My ex-husband and my son used to play pool at Schemengees,” one woman told NBC affiliate WCSH. She found out about the shooting on social media, but since then she has learned very little.
“We are all waiting, but we haven’t heard anything,” said the woman.
Journalists stationed at the hospital were at one point told to take cover because the shooter was believed to be nearby.
“Right now, we media representatives are holding our place behind the wall in front of the hospital, while an armed security guard is positioned on the sidewalk above us,” journalist photographer chirped.
Melinda Small, owner of Legends Sports Bar and Grill near the bowling alley, told The Associated Press that she was at work with 25 customers when the shooting began.
“I’m honestly in a state of shock. I’m blessed that my team reacted quickly and everyone is safe,” she told the newspaper.
“I’m heartbroken for this area and what everyone is dealing with. I just feel numb.”
Maine Governor Janet Mills released a statement about the shooting.
“I am aware and informed of the active shooter situation in Lewiston,” said U twitter.
“I urge all people in the area to follow the instructions of state and local authorities. I will continue to monitor the situation and remain in close contact with public safety officials.”
President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris and Attorney General Merrick Harland have all been briefed on the situation.
Mutual aid was called in from as far away as New Hampshire.
On social media, many people are thanking the police for their reaction.
“Prayers for all who are harmed and positive thoughts to the brave men and women trying to take down the shooter,” one Facebook user commented under a picture of a person of interest.
“My heart breaks for the people of Lewiston,” said user X.
“It is long past time for change. When will enough be enough? This senseless violence cannot continue.”
The Lewiston Police Department, Lewiston Fire Department, Maine State Police and Androscoggin County Sheriff’s Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment from the US Sun.
9
The attacker was spotted wearing a brown jacket, blue pants and yellow shoes Credit: Facebook/Lewiston Maine Police
9
Anyone with information about the shooter was asked to send tips to the Androscoggin County Sheriff’s Department Credit: Facebook/Lewiston Maine Police
9
The shooting began around 7:15 pm at Sparetime Recreation, a bowling alley in LewistonCredit: Facebook/Nichoel Wyman Arel
9
Shortly thereafter, another shooting was reported at Schemengee’s Bar and GrilleCredit: Google Maps
9
The attacker was also reportedly spotted at a Walmart distribution center around 8:15 p.m. Credit: Facebook/Nichoel Wyman Arel
Categories: Optical Illusion
Source: HIS Education