The residents of Lewiston have been ordered to shelter in place amid a manhunt for an armed suspect involved in at least two mass shooting incidents which reportedly claimed dozens of lives in Maine’s second most populous city on Wednesday night.
The shooting spree unfolded at Schemengees Bar and Grille and Sparetime Recreation bowling alley in Lewiston, a city of about 36,000 people, around 8pm local time. Authorities have yet to officially confirm the number of victims, but media reports suggest dozens of people were injured and killed, while a local hospital confirmed it was “reacting to a mass casualty, mass shooter event.”
CNN reported, citing law enforcement sources, that at least 16 people were killed and up to 60 others injured. ABC News said at least 10 people were killed and “dozens more” injured. Meanwhile, NBC and Fox News reported at least 22 casualties at the two locations, as well as a nearby Walmart store.
“There is an active shooter in Lewiston. We ask people to shelter in place. Please stay inside your home with the doors locked. Law enforcement is currently investigating at multiple locations,” Maine State Police said in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
The suspect, believed to be involved involved in all of the incidents, is still at large. Authorities released several photos, which showed a white male armed with a long rifle, wearing black trousers and a brown top.
“Law enforcement in Androscoggin County are investigating two active shooter events. We are encouraging all businesses to lock down and or close while we investigate,” Androscoggin County Sheriff’s Office said in a post on Facebook.
Maine governor Janet Mills said that she was briefed on the situation and remains in “close contact with public safety officials,” as she urged “all people in the area to follow the direction of State and local enforcement.”
President Joe Biden also received an initial brief and “will continue to receive updates” on the situation, according to a senior White House official.
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