Patrick Dempsey shares his devastation after the mass shooting that took place in his hometown of Lewiston, Maine, claimed the lives of 18 people and injured 13 others.
The Grey’s Anatomy The alum, 57, released a statement on his Instagram on Thursday, expressing his sadness at the recent events in his hometown.
“I am shocked and deeply saddened by last night’s tragedy in my hometown of Lewiston, Maine,” he wrote. “Maine’s great strength is its sense of community, and now we are asked to come together to support all those devastated by this senseless act.”
“My family and I are heartbroken for their victims, their families and the community,” the actor concluded.
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Eighteen people were killed and 13 injured in Wednesday’s mass shooting at Just-In-Time Recreation, a bowling alley, and Schemengees Bar and Grille, about four miles away, in Lewiston, Maine.
Lewiston has a population of about 38,500 and is the second most populous city in the state after Portland, located about 55 miles to the south. It is home to Bates College and the Dempsey Center, which Dempsey founded to support people with cancer.
The Enchanted the actor opened the center in 2008 in honor of his late mother, Amanda, who was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 1997. According to their website, the Dempsey Center provides personalized and comprehensive cancer care at no cost. They also have a second location in South Portland.
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During a news conference Wednesday night, Commissioner of Public Safety from the Office of the Governor Mike Sauschuck said the violence in Lewiston began around 6:56 p.m.
The suspect, Robert Card, was described by Gov. Janet Mills as “armed and dangerous.” He remained at large as of Thursday afternoon, having been extended a warrant earlier issued by the Maine Department of Public Safety.
As a result, many businesses – including the Dempsey Center – were closed to the public on Thursday. Planned events, such as the Pete Davidson and John Mulaney comedies scheduled for this weekend in Maine, have also been postponed due to the tragedy.
‘My heart is broken,’ says restaurant owner targeted by Maine mass shooter who killed at least 16
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There was a mass shooting by police at the Schemengees bar on Wednesday.
JOSEPH PREZIOSO/AFP via Getty Images
Lewiston police posted numerous photos of the suspect, who appears to be holding an assault rifle, on the agency’s Facebook page. Police also released a photo of what they believe is the suspect’s car.
Eight victims have been identified, so a warrant has been issued for the suspect for eight counts of murder.
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Army spokesman Bryce Dubee tells PEOPLE the suspect is an oil supply specialist in the U.S. Army Reserve. The Associated Press, citing a state police bulletin, reported that the suspect is a military-trained firearms instructor who was recently committed to a mental health facility for two weeks last summer.
According to the news release, the suspect threatened to commit a shooting at a military base in Saco, Maine. The bulletin also says the suspect said he heard voices.
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At a news conference Thursday, Maine State Police Col. William Ross urged people who come into contact with the suspect or anyone who looks like him to call 911.
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