US Mass Shooting News: Hundreds of police searched the US city of Lewiston and surrounding areas of Maine state for a man sought in connection with mass shootings at a bar and a bowling alley, killing 22 people, with dozens more wounded. Police reported two shooting incidents in Lewiston — at Sparetime Recreation, a bowling alley on Mollison Way, and Schemengees Bar & Grille Restaurant on Lincoln Street.
Not too long after the shooting was reported, Robert Card was identified as a person of interest in the mass killing. 40-year-old Card, a firearms instructor in the US Army Reserve, was recently discharged from a mental health facility after reporting hallucinations. Maine officials say hundreds of police officers are now working across the state to locate Card, who is considered armed and dangerous.
The vehicle connected to Robert Card, identified by police as a person of interest, was located in Lisbon Wednesday night. Shortly after that, town offices in Lisbon, which neighbors Lewiston, Maine, where the shootings took place Wednesday night, will be closed on Thursday as a manhunt continues. “Law enforcement in Androscoggin County are investigating two active shooter events. All town offices will be closed on October 26th. Please prioritize safety and continue to shelter in place,” the town website was quoted as saying by CNN.
As police continue to search for Card, local schools have announced they will cancel classes on Thursday. “There remains a lot of unknowns at this time. Information moves quickly but not always accurately. Please continue to shelter in place or get to safety. We will continue to update you with information and next steps as appropriate,” Lewiston Public Schools said in a post.
Witnesses of the shootings in Lewiston were of all ages, said Auburn Mayor Jason Levesque, adding that the community was in shock. While addressing the media, Levesque said there was a lot of fear, panic and worry among residents there.
“You can train for this but you can never be completely prepared,” Levesque said. “It’s an all-hands-on-deck situation.” Levesque told CNN he wasn’t aware of any children among those killed — but knows one high school student who was wounded. “Auburn and Lewiston are side by side … a river separates us. Combined, our population is around 60,000. You cannot help but know people who know someone, so this will impact every corner of our community,” he said.
After the news about the Lewiston mass shootings got out, US President Joe Biden spoke by phone with a number of Maine lawmakers, the White House press office told pool. “The President spoke by phone individually to Maine Governor Janet Mills, Senators Angus King and Susan Collins, and Congressman Jared Golden about the shooting in Lewiston, Maine and offered full federal support in the wake of this horrific attack,” the White House said in a statement.
Aside from local police, FBI and US Homeland Security have offered help in the deadly shootings. “The entire Department of Homeland Security grieves with the loved ones of those killed and injured, and stands with the brave law enforcement officers and first responders who are currently working to secure and safeguard the people of Lewiston,” the spokesperson said in a statement.
The FBI office in Boston said it’s ready to assist following the deadly mass shootings in Lewiston. “The FBI Boston Division continues to coordinate with our local, state and federal law enforcement partners in Maine and we stand ready to assist with any available resources they need, including evidence response, investigative and tactical support, as well as victim assistance,” the FBI in Boston said in a statement.
Gun violence is alarmingly common in the US. The country has recorded over 500 mass shootings this year, according to the Gun Violence Archive, a non-governmental organization that defines a mass shooting as four or more people wounded or killed.
(With inputs from agencies)