In a devastating incident, Maine’s Lewiston city was rocked by a series of shootings on Wednesday, resulting in the loss of at least 22 lives. The shooter responsible for this tragedy is still at large. The Lewiston Police Department has identified a person of interest in this case, 40-year-old Robert Card, and has issued a warning that he should be considered armed and dangerous.
The shootings occurred at various locations, including a bowling alley, a local bar, and a Walmart distribution center, as reported by ABC News. Law enforcement officials, who chose to remain anonymous, disclosed that investigators are actively processing the crime scenes and collecting crucial evidence to determine the full scope of the incident.
Earlier today, the Lewiston Police Department announced that it was investigating at least two active shooter events in the city. They posted photographs of a suspect wielding what appeared to be a semiautomatic rifle, adding to the urgency of the situation.
In response to these events, local authorities have urged businesses to lock down and recommended that residents stay inside their homes for safety. The Androscoggin County Sheriff’s Office issued a statement on Facebook emphasizing the importance of taking precautions and confirmed that the suspect remains at large.
The Maine State Police also issued a warning on their social media platform, cautioning the public about an active shooter. They requested residents to shelter in place, stay indoors with locked doors, and follow law enforcement’s instructions while they investigate the ongoing situation.
Recognizing the gravity of the situation, the White House released a statement confirming that President Joe Biden had reached out to Maine Governor Janet Mills, Senators Angus King and Susan Collins, and Congressman Jared Golden. The President offered full federal support to address the aftermath of this horrific attack.
Lewiston Mayor Carl Sheline expressed his profound sadness for the city’s residents and encouraged them to adhere to recommended safety guidelines. He emphasized the strength and resilience of Lewiston, underlining the collective need for these qualities in the days to come.
This unfortunate incident marks the deadliest mass shooting in the United States since May 2022 when a gunman targeted an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas, resulting in the tragic loss of 19 children and two teachers. Data from the Gun Violence Archive reveals that the frequency of mass shootings, defined as incidents where four or more people were shot, has surged since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020. Shockingly, at least 647 such incidents were reported in 2022, underlining the urgent need to address the issue of gun violence in the country.
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