Not less than 22 persons are useless after a gunman went on a rampage in three completely different places within the northeast US state of Maine on Wednesday night.
Police in Maine have issued a shelter-in-place order as they hunt the “armed and harmful” shooter after what’s being described as a “mass casualty incident” in Lewiston.
Fox Information experiences that not less than 22 persons are useless, in response to legislation enforcement sources. Metropolis Councillor Robert McCarthy confirmed to CNN that the dying toll had risen to 22 with “many, many extra injured”, reportedly as much as 60 folks.
Maine State Police stated in an announcement there was an energetic shooter scenario in Lewiston, a metropolis of 36,000 folks round 60 kilometres north of Portland.
Authorities are investigating shootings at three separate places, together with a bowling alley and restaurant.
Police had been known as to Sparetime Recreation at about 7.15pm after experiences of an energetic shooter, The Solar Journal experiences.
Shortly after one other capturing was reported at Schemengees Bar & Grille Restaurant. At round 8.15pm, a 3rd capturing was reported at a Walmart Distribution Centre.
“We ask folks to shelter in place,” Maine State Police stated.
“Please keep inside your private home with the doorways locked. Regulation enforcement is at present investigating at a number of places. If you happen to see any suspicious exercise or people please name 911.”
A neighborhood hospital, the Central Maine Medical Middle, stated it was reacting to a “mass casualty, mass shooter occasion”.
“Central Maine Healthcare is co-ordinating with space hospitals to absorb sufferers,” the hospital stated.
Authorities didn’t present particulars on the shootings and potential victims, however the Androscoggin Sheriff’s Workplace shared two pictures of the suspect carrying a rifle on its Fb web page.
“The suspect remains to be at giant,” the Sheriff’s Workplace warned.
Police have recognized the potential suspect as Robert Card, 40, and stated he could also be driving a white 2013 Subaru Outback.
The Lewiston Police Division launched a photograph of the automobile.
As of simply earlier than 11pm native time (2pm AEDT) on Wednesday, the suspect was nonetheless at giant.
“Regulation enforcement is trying to find Robert Card … as an individual of curiosity concerning the mass capturing at Schemengees Bar and Sparetime Recreation this night,” police stated.
“Card must be thought-about armed and harmful. Please contact legislation enforcement in case you are conscious of his whereabouts.”
Based on an alert printed by the Maine Info and Evaluation Middle (MIAC), Mr Card is a “educated firearms teacher believed to be within the Military Reserve stationed out of Saco”, a metropolis about 75 kilometres south of Lewiston, previous Portland.
“Based on legislation enforcement, Card not too long ago reported psychological well being points to incorporate listening to voices and threats to shoot up the Nationwide Guard Base in Saco, ME,” the discover stated.
“Card was additionally reported to have been dedicated to psychological well being facility for 2 weeks throughout summer season 2023 and subsequently launched.”
Kathy Lebel, co-owner of Schemengees, was not on the restaurant on the time of the capturing however was informed an individual walked into the restaurant and “began capturing”.
“The employees ran out,” she informed The Solar Journal.
“It was only a enjoyable night time taking part in cornhole … it’s the very last thing you’re anticipating, proper? I nonetheless really feel like this complete factor is a nightmare.”
Maine Governor Janet Mills stated she has been briefed on the energetic capturing scenario in Lewiston.
“I urge all folks within the space to observe the course of State and native enforcement,” she wrote on X. “I’ll to proceed to watch the scenario and stay in shut contact with public security officers.”
The shootings occurred as Lewiston public faculties had been holding parent-teacher conferences. All faculties had been positioned on lockdown, the superintendent introduced.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has supplied personnel and sources to native authorities in Maine, a spokesperson for the company informed CNN.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) additionally stated its brokers had been responding to the capturing.
US President Joe Biden “has been briefed on what’s recognized to this point concerning the mass capturing in Lewiston, Maine, and can proceed to obtain updates”, the White Home stated.
Lewiston Mayor Carl Sheline stated in an announcement to CNN he was “heartbroken for our metropolis and our folks”.
“Lewiston is understood for our energy and grit and we are going to want each within the days to come back,” he stated.
Lewiston is the second most populous metropolis in Maine after Portland, which is residence to about 64,000 folks.
Extra to come back
— with NY Submit and Fox Information
