At least 22 people are dead following a mass shooting in Lewiston, Maine
A massive manhunt is currently in progress in a Maine mass shooting that occurred at two different locations on Wednesday night, resulting in the tragic deaths of at least 22 people and leaving 30 others wounded. This information was reported by Fox News, citing a law enforcement source.
During a late-night news conference, Maine Public Safety Commissioner Mike Sauschuck stated that law enforcement has not yet confirmed the exact number of victims due to the ongoing and rapidly evolving nature of the situation.
The death toll from Wednesday’s events is particularly devastating for a state that had recorded only 29 homicides for the entire year in 2022.
Although a suspect has not been officially named, the Lewiston Police Department on Wednesday night identified Robert R. Card, a 40-year-old man from Bowdoin, Maine, as a person of interest in the case. Robert Card is a firearms instructor and has military experience, according to information from an internal bulletin obtained by Fox News from the Maine Information and Analysis Center.
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As Fox News’ David Spunt reported, citing a senior law enforcement source, authorities are aware that the Robert Card may have had access to a police scanner and may have been actively monitoring their movements. In response to the situation, the FBI sent several agents to the scene over the past several hours to support local law enforcement. SWAT teams are also on-site and ready for action.
According to the bulletin, it is believed that Card serves in the Army Reserve with a station in Saco, Maine.
Authorities have issued a warning that Card should not be approached if he is spotted, as he is considered “armed and dangerous.”
Lewiston police made the following announcement on their Facebook page: “Law Enforcement is attempting to locate Robert Card 4/4/1983, as a person of interest regarding the mass shooting at Schemengees Bar and Sparetime Recreation this evening. Robert Card should be considered armed and dangerous. Please contact law enforcement if you are aware of his whereabouts.”
Local news outlets have noted that the bowling alley in question was recently renamed to “Just in Time Bowling” but is more commonly recognized by its former name, “Sparetime Recreation.”
The bulletin indicates that Card had recently reported experiencing mental health issues, including hearing voices, and had allegedly made threats to carry out a shooting at the National Guard base in Maine, according to law enforcement sources. Furthermore, he had been committed to a mental health facility for a two-week period over the summer.
In response to the unfolding situation, authorities have instructed residents in Lewiston to “shelter in place” and advised them to remain inside their homes with doors locked.
At midnight on Thursday, the Maine Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) announced that the shelter-in-place order had been expanded to include the town of Lisbon, indicating the seriousness of the ongoing situation.
@MEStatePolice Lewiston update: Shelter in place order stands in Lewiston & expanded to Lisbon. Reunification center at Auburn Middle School, 38 Falcon Drive, Auburn, for those w/questions about loved ones. @MEStatePolice ask anyone who sees anything suspicious to call 911. https://t.co/j3C7Nh2mRi
— MEMA (@MaineEMA) October 26, 2023
The decision to expand the shelter-in-place order came after authorities discovered Robert Card‘s white Subaru Outback near the Lisbon boat dock located on Frost Hill Avenue near Route 196.
Subsequently, Androscoggin County officials issued a shelter-in-place order for the entire county and advised residents to ensure that their homes and vehicles were properly secured.
The Lewiston Police Department confirmed that the active shooting incidents occurred at two distinct locations, which have been identified as Schemengees Bar & Grille Restaurant and Sparetime Recreation.
Mollison Way, the location of Sparetime Recreation, has been closed indefinitely as the investigation continues, as stated by the police. Additionally, River Road, spanning from Locust Street to South Avenue, has been closed to all travelers except for residents.
The Androscoggin County Sheriff’s Office shared two photographs of the person of interest, captured on surveillance cameras. In these images, the individual is seen wearing a brown sweatshirt and holding a rifle while passing through doors adorned with bowling pins and a bowling ball.
Central Maine Medical Center, a level two trauma center, released a statement on Wednesday night, acknowledging its response to a “mass casualty, mass shooter event.” This underscores the severity of the situation and the need for a heightened medical response.
As of 9 p.m., the hospital has refrained from disclosing the precise number of casualties.
The hospital has conveyed that “Central Maine Healthcare is coordinating with area hospitals to take in patients,” indicating a collective effort among medical facilities to provide care to the injured.
Local law enforcement has established a reunification area at Auburn Middle School in Auburn, Maine, for individuals seeking information about the whereabouts of their loved ones.
The White House has reported that President Biden was briefed on the mass shooting, reflecting the gravity of the situation and the response from the highest levels of government.
The White House issued a statement affirming, “The President has been briefed on what’s known so far about the mass shooting in Lewiston, Maine, and will continue to receive updates.”
Maine Governor Janet Mills also addressed the situation via a social media platform, stating, “I am aware of and have been briefed on the active shooter situation in Lewiston. I urge all people in the area to follow the direction of state and local law enforcement.” .” She further emphasized her commitment to closely monitoring the situation and maintaining close communication with public safety officials.
The FBI Boston Division released a statement on a social media platform, indicating that it is actively coordinating with state and local law enforcement and is prepared to offer assistance as required.
The statement reads: “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. We continue to urge the public to remain vigilant and report any and all suspicious activity and/or individuals to law enforcement immediately.
As this situation is still very fluid, we have no further comment at this time and will refer you to the Maine State Police.” This underscores the collaborative efforts of law enforcement agencies and the importance of public cooperation during this evolving situation.
#FBI Boston Statement on Shootings in Lewiston, Maine. pic.twitter.com/Nny0D6fUr8
— FBI Boston (@FBIBoston) October 26, 2023
Lewiston Public School Superintendent Jake Langlais announced on Wednesday night that school is canceled for Thursday in response to the shooting. A message posted on the school system’s website conveyed the following:
“There will not be school tomorrow. At this time, there will be no activity at Lewiston Schools on Thursday, October 26, 2023. There remains a lot of unknowns at this time. Information moves quickly but not always accurately. Please continue to shelter in place or seek safety. We will continue to update you with information and next steps as appropriate.”
Langlais also offered words of encouragement, urging the student body to “stay close to your loved ones” during this unsettling and uncertain period.
“Stay close to your loved ones. Embrace them. Our prayers go out to those who lost someone tonight. Our prayers go out to all those working to stop further loss of life. We will provide updates.”
Additionally, other educational institutions have decided to close on Thursday, including Maine School Administrator Districts 52 and 75, Central Maine Community College, and Bates College, as reported by local news outlets.
Furthermore, in response to the ongoing search for the shooting suspect, several school districts, such as MSAD 35 in Eliot, have requested additional law enforcement officers to be present at all buildings within the school system on Thursday, as a precautionary measure. This underscores the heightened security concerns following the tragic events.
Superintendent John Caverly, in a message posted on the district’s website, revealed that he had been in contact with the Eliot and South Berwick Police Departments and had requested an increased police presence in all of their buildings for the following day. He acknowledged that the tragic situation was likely to heighten fears, and his aim was to provide some level of reassurance to their students, staff, and families by enhancing their already comprehensive crisis planning.
In response to the ongoing search for the shooting suspect, the city of Lewiston has also taken precautionary measures. They announced that all municipal buildings, including City Hall, Lewiston Public Library, and the Armory, would be closed on Thursday. This decision extends to the cancellation of all programs, events, and early voting opportunities scheduled at Lewiston City Hall for Thursday. Additionally, all non-emergency personnel have been directed to stay at home during this time of uncertainty.
All municipal offices in Lisbon will also be closed on Thursday, according to a warning on the city’s website.
A news conference is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Thursday at Lewiston City Hall, according to Fox News’ Molly Line.