A person opened fireplace at a bar and a bowling alley in Lewiston, Maine, on Wednesday, killing no less than 16 individuals, wounding dozens of others and throwing the state’s second-largest metropolis into chaos as lots of of police looked for an individual of curiosity and residents have been ordered to shelter in place.
A police intelligence bulletin recognized Robert Card, who was skilled as a firearms teacher at a U.S. Military Reserve coaching facility in Maine, because the particular person of curiosity. The doc, reviewed by The Related Press and circulated to legislation enforcement officers, says Card had been dedicated to a psychological well being facility for 2 weeks in the summertime of 2023. It didn’t present particular particulars about his remedy or situation.
The doc additionally mentioned Card had reported listening to voices and had threatened to hold out a taking pictures on the army coaching base in Saco, Maine. A phone quantity listed for Card in public information was not in service.
Lewiston Police mentioned in an earlier Fb put up that they have been coping with an lively shooter incident at Schemengees Bar and Grille and Sparetime Recreation, a bowling alley about 4 miles (6.4 kilometers) away. The Androscoggin County Sheriff’s Workplace launched two images of the suspect on its Fb web page that confirmed a shooter strolling into an institution with a weapon raised to their shoulder. Authorities mentioned the taking pictures began simply earlier than 7 p.m.
Two legislation enforcement officers instructed The Related Press that no less than 16 individuals have been killed and the toll was anticipated to rise. Nonetheless, Michael Sauschuck, commissioner of the Maine Division of Public Security, declined to supply a selected estimate at a information convention, calling it a “fluid state of affairs.”
The 2 legislation enforcement officers mentioned dozens of individuals additionally had been wounded. The officers weren’t licensed to publicly focus on particulars of the continuing investigation and spoke to AP on situation of anonymity.
On its web site, Central Maine Medical Heart mentioned employees have been “reacting to a mass casualty, mass shooter occasion” and have been coordinating with space hospitals to soak up sufferers. The hospital was locked down and police, some armed with rifles, stood by the entrances.
In the meantime, hospitals as distant as Portland, about 35 miles (56 kilometers) to the south, have been on alert to doubtlessly obtain victims.
Authorities ordered residents and enterprise homeowners to remain inside and off the streets. The shelter-in-place order was prolonged Wednesday evening from Lewiston to Lisbon, about 8 miles (13 kilometers) away, after a “car of curiosity” was discovered there, authorities mentioned.
Melinda Small, the proprietor of Legends Sports activities Bar and Grill, mentioned her employees instantly locked their doorways and moved all 25 prospects and workers away from the doorways after a buyer reported listening to in regards to the taking pictures on the bowling alley lower than a quarter-mile away round 7 p.m. Quickly, the police flooded the roadway and a police officer finally escorted everybody out of the constructing 4 at a time. Everybody within the bar is secure.
“I’m actually in a state of shock. I’m blessed that my group responded shortly and everyone seems to be secure,” Small instructed The Related Press. “However the identical time, my coronary heart is damaged for this space and for what everyone seems to be coping with. I simply really feel numb.”
The alert for Lewiston was made shortly after 8 p.m. because the sheriff’s workplace reported that legislation enforcement businesses have been investigating “two lively shooter occasions.” Officers issued an replace round 10 p.m. on their search.
“Keep away from the world till authorities give the all-clear,” the assertion mentioned. “Search different routes to bypass the world and any disruptions. If already working within the affected area, adhere to all directions issued by native officers, together with the shelter-in-place order.”
“We’re encouraging all companies to lock down and or shut whereas we examine,” the sheriff’s workplace reported.
A spokesperson for Maine Division of Public Security urged residents to remain of their houses with their doorways locked.
“Regulation enforcement is at present investigating at two areas proper now,” Shannon Moss mentioned. “Once more please keep off the streets and permit legislation enforcement to diffuse the state of affairs.”
Gov. Janet Mills launched an announcement echoing these directions. She mentioned she had been briefed on the state of affairs and can stay in shut contact with public security officers.
President Joe Biden had spoken by telephone to Mills and the state’s Senate and Home members, providing “full federal assist within the wake of this horrific assault,” a White Home assertion mentioned.
Native faculties can be closed Thursday and folks ought to shelter in place or search security, Superintendent Jake Langlais mentioned, including: “Keep near your family members. Embrace them.”
Wednesday’s demise toll was staggering for a state that in 2022 had 29 homicides your complete 12 months.
Lewiston emerged as a significant heart for African immigration into Maine. The Somali inhabitants, which numbers within the 1000’s, has modified the demographics of the as soon as overwhelmingly white mill metropolis into probably the most numerous in northern New England.
Maine Sen. Angus King, an unbiased, mentioned he was “deeply unhappy for town of Lewiston and all these frightened about their household, mates and neighbors” and was monitoring the state of affairs. King’s workplace mentioned the senator could be headed straight dwelling to Maine on the primary flight doable.
Editor’s observe: Up to date. Provides location of incidents, remark from hospital, metropolis spokesperson, Sen. Angus King. MAJOR UPDATE: Provides new demise toll. Combines with earlier and provides remark from native enterprise proprietor, background on Lewiston. Main replace with suspect info. Headline up to date.
