At least 22 individuals are dead and 50-60 more were hurt in a mass shooting at 2 organizations in Lewiston, Maine, according to NBC News.
The Androscoggin County Sheriff’s Office stated around 8 p.m. that a suspect was at big, sharing an image of a shooter strolling into a facility with a weapon raised to his shoulder. Residents of Lewiston and close-by Auburn are being asked to shelter in location throughout the night as the look for the shooter continues.
“Please stay off the roads to allow emergency responders access to the hospitals,” authorities stated.
Scott Sweetow, a previous representative with the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & & Explosives, informed NBC10 Boston the weapon seems an AR-15 design weapon, a really typical kind of semi-automatic rifle.
“It has an optic on it, some sort of scope,” Sweetow stated. “He also has a flashlight on the front, some sort of tactical light. He also has some sort of magazines. They appear go be three-round magazines attached together. He’s kitted out to kill people.”
Just before 11 p.m., Lewiston authorities launched an image of an individual of interest desired in connection with the mass shooting, who they recognized as 40- year-old Robert Card, ofBowdoin They stated he must be thought about “armed and dangerous.”
They likewise launched an image of a lorry they are trying to find, which they later on stated was discovered about 10 miles away in Lisbon.
“This is a very active and dynamic situation. The image of at least one active killer has been released by police. He is armed with a tactical rifle,” Jim Cavanaugh, an NBC News police factor and a previous unique representative in the ATF, stated in a text.
“Law Enforcement is now swarming the area attempting to locate, isolate and eliminate the active killer or killers,” he stated.
In an interview on Wednesday night, Mike Sauschuck, commissioner of the Department of Public Safety, stated numerous officers are associated with the search. He stated extra details will be launched throughout the night as it appears.
He stated a “reunification center” has actually been established at close-by Auburn Middle School for anybody wanting to reunite with relative who are unaccounted for.
“This is a very fluid situation,” Sauschuck stated, decreasing to offer an overall variety of individuals dead or hurt. “We are looking for this person of interest right now.”
Lewiston authorities stated the shootings took place at Sparetime Recreation, a bowling street, and Schemengees Bar and Grille, a dining establishment. NBC News primary justice factor Jonathan Dienst stated the suspect may have a previous rap sheet, however there is no word yet on an intention.
There were no preliminary indications of terrorism.
Central Maine Medical Center stated it was “reacting to a mass casualty, mass shooter event,” including that there are “no specifics to share on the number of casualties.” A lady who responded to the phone in the emergency situation department stated no additional details might be launched which the healthcare facility itself was on lockdown.
Maine Medical Center in Portland is likewise producing crucial care and operating space capability as it prepares to take in clients who were shot in Lewiston.
“Out of an abundance of caution and due the dynamic nature of this situation, MMC and other MaineHealth hospitals have closed their campuses to non-hospital personnel and non-patients until further notice,” the healthcare facility stated in a declaration.
Melinda Small, the owner of Legends Sports Bar and Grill, stated her personnel right away locked their doors and moved all 25 consumers and workers far from the doors after a client reported becoming aware of the shooting at the bowling street less than a quarter-mile away around 7 p.m. Soon, the authorities flooded the road and a policeman ultimately accompanied everybody out of the structure 4 at a time. Everyone in the bar is safe.
“I am honestly in a state of shock. I am blessed that my team responded quickly and everyone is safe,” Small informed The AssociatedPress “But the same time, my heart is broken for this area and for what everyone is dealing with. I just feel numb.”
Ange Amores, a representative for the city of Lewiston, stated city authorities are not discussing the shooting. Amores stated Maine State Police were preparing to hold a press conference, most likely at municipal government, to upgrade the general public on Wednesday night.
Mayor Jason Levesque, the mayor of close-by Auburn, prompted individuals in his city, Lewiston and the surrounding area to shelter in location.
“We have everybody on board right now, from state, local and federal officials working on this,” he informed NBC News in a phone interview.
The alert for Lewiston was made quickly after 8 p.m. as the constable’s workplace reported that police were examining “two active shooter events.” Officials released an upgrade around 10 p.m. for what they referred to as a manhunt.
“Avoid the area until authorities give the all-clear,” the declaration stated. “Seek alternative routes to circumvent the area and any disruptions. If already operating in the affected region, adhere to all instructions issued by local officials, including the shelter-in-place order.”
“We are encouraging all businesses to lock down and or close while we investigate,” the constable’s workplace reported.
A representative for Maine Department of Public Safety prompted homeowners to remain in their homes with their doors locked.
“Law enforcement is currently investigating at two locations right now,” Shannon Moss stated. “Again please stay off the streets and allow law enforcement to diffuse the situation.”
Anyone who sees “any suspicious activity or individuals” is asked to call 911.
Police likewise launched an image of a lorry they are trying to find in the shooting examination.
“I am aware of and have been briefed on the active shooter situation in Lewiston,”Gov Janet Mills stated in a declaration. “I urge all people in the area to follow the direction of State and local enforcement. I will to continue to monitor the situation and remain in close contact with public safety officials.”
Sen Angus King likewise released a declaration on X, the platform previously called Twitter, stating he is “deeply sad” for the city of Lewiston.
MassachusettsGov Maura Healey likewise released a declaration on X.
President Joe Biden was at a State Dinner with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Wednesday night, however a senior White House authorities stated he has actually been informed on what is understood up until now about the mass shooting and will continue to get updates. Biden likewise spoke by phone withGov Mills,Sens King and Susan Collins and Congressman Jared Golden, “offering full federal support in the wake of this horrific attack,” according to the White House press workplace.
U.S. Attorney Merrick Garland has actually likewise been informed on the circumstance and is following the current advancements.
“The Attorney General has been briefed and will continue to closely monitor the situation. Federal law enforcement agencies are assisting our state and local law enforcement partners in Lewiston, Maine,” representative Xochitl Hinojosa informed NBC News.
The ATF’s Boston workplace stated it is likewise reacting to the active shooter occasion in Maine.
Bates College, which lies in Lewiston, is presently on lockdown, according to a school representative.
Public schools in Lewiston will be closed on Thursday, the district’s superintendent stated in a message on the school district site.
“There remains a lot of unknowns at this time. Information moves quickly but not alway accurately,” Jake Langlais, the superintendent, stated in a message on the district’s site. “Please continue to shelter in place or get to safety. We will continue to update you with information and next steps as appropriate.”
“Stay close to your loved ones. Embrace them. Our prayers go out to those who lost someone tonight,” he included.
Lewiston, a city of about 38,000 individuals, lies in south-central Maine, about 35 miles north of Portland on Interstate 95.
The Associated Press added to this report.
