Quick Read
- Tragic shooting incident in Lewiston, Maine.
- Between 10 and 22 people were killed, with the death toll expected to rise.
- Multiple individuals were injured.
- Law enforcement is actively investigating.
- The suspect is still at large.
- Active shooter events were reported at a bar, grille, and bowling alley.
- Urgent plea for residents to stay off the streets and lock doors.
- Central Maine Medical Center responding to a mass casualty event.
- Governor Janet Mills briefed and was in contact with public safety officials.
- Maine Senator Angus King monitoring the situation closely.
On Wednesday in Lewiston, Maine, a tragic incident unfolded as at least 10 people lost their lives in shootings. The death toll is expected to increase, and several individuals have also been injured, according to two law enforcement officials who spoke with The Associated Press.
The authorities actively investigate the incident, process crime scenes, and collect evidence. They are currently searching for the individual responsible for the shootings, who opened fire at two locations in the city.
Please note that the officials who provided this information wished to remain anonymous due to the ongoing nature of the investigation and their lack of authorization to discuss the details publicly.
Lewiston Police previously posted on Facebook, informing the public about an active shooter situation at Schemengees Bar and Grille and Spare Time Recreation, a bowling alley. They urged people to avoid using the roads to ensure emergency responders could reach the hospitals immediately.
Central Maine Medical Center, on its website, reported that its staff was responding to a mass casualty event caused by a mass shooter. They were coordinating with nearby hospitals to admit patients.
The alert for Lewiston was issued just after 8 p.m. by the Androscoggin County Sheriff’s Office, which reported that two active shooter events were under investigation. The suspect was still at large, and the sheriff’s office advised businesses to lock down or close during the investigation.
A spokesperson for the Maine Department of Public Safety, Shannon Moss, advised residents to remain in their homes, keeping their doors locked. Law enforcement was actively addressing the situation at two different locations, and she emphasized the importance of staying off the streets to allow authorities to manage the situation.
The Androscoggin County Sheriff’s Office shared two photos of the suspect on its Facebook page, depicting an armed individual entering an establishment.
Governor Janet Mills issued a statement echoing the instructions from law enforcement, indicating that she had been briefed on the situation and would maintain close contact with public safety officials.
Ange Amores, a spokesperson for Lewiston, stated that city officials were refraining from commenting on the shooting at this time. The Maine State Police were planning to hold a news conference, likely at city hall, to provide updates to the public later in the evening.
Maine Senator Angus King expressed deep sadness for the city of Lewiston and all those who were concerned about their loved ones and neighbors. He was closely monitoring the situation and planned to return to Maine once the Senate’s final vote concluded on Thursday afternoon.
