Mass Shooting in Maine Leaves at Least 16 Dead, Suspect Remains at Large
LEWISTON, Maine (AP) — A mass shooting in Lewiston, Maine, has left at least 16 people dead and dozens more injured. The suspect, identified as Robert Card, remains at large as law enforcement officials continue their search.
According to a state police bulletin reviewed by The Associated Press, Card is a firearms instructor trained by the military. He had been trained at a U.S. Army Reserve training facility in Maine and was recently committed to a mental health facility for two weeks in the summer of 2023. The document did not provide specific details about his treatment or condition.
The bulletin also revealed that Card had reported hearing voices and had threatened to carry out a shooting at the military training base in Saco, Maine.
Lewiston Police confirmed in a Facebook post that Card is a person of interest in the shooting and should be considered armed and dangerous. The shootings took place at a bowling alley and a bar in Lewiston, causing chaos and forcing authorities to order residents and business owners to stay indoors.
Two law enforcement officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, told The Associated Press that dozens of people were also wounded in the incident.
The Lewiston Police had earlier posted on Facebook about an active shooter incident at Schemengees Bar and Grille and Sparetime Recreation, a bowling alley located about 4 miles away. The Androscoggin County Sheriff’s Office released photos of the suspect on its Facebook page, showing a shooter walking into an establishment with a weapon raised.
Emergency responders, including the Central Maine Medical Center, are currently working to tend to the victims. The hospital stated on its website that they are reacting to a “mass casualty, mass shooter event” and are coordinating with other area hospitals. The hospital is currently on lockdown.
Melinda Small, the owner of Legends Sports Bar and Grill, expressed shock over the incident and praised her staff for quickly securing the premises and ensuring the safety of all customers and employees.
The situation is ongoing, and authorities have urged residents to stay in their homes with doors locked. Local schools will be closed on Thursday, and people are advised to seek safety and stay close to their loved ones.
Governor Janet Mills, who has been briefed on the situation, is in close contact with public safety officials. President Joe Biden has also offered full federal support in response to the “horrific attack.”
Lewiston, a city known for its African immigration population, has experienced a demographic shift in recent years. The shooting has shocked the community and officials are urging residents to remain calm while law enforcement continues its investigation.
Maine Senator Angus King expressed his condolences for the city of Lewiston and assured the public that he is closely monitoring the situation.