Lewiston: A horrific spree of violence unfolded in the city of Lewiston, Maine, on Wednesday night, leaving at least 22 people dead and dozens more wounded in multiple shooting incidents. The suspect, identified as Robert Card, 40, is still at large and considered armed and dangerous, according to the Lewiston Police Department.
The shootings occurred at at least three locations in Lewiston, including a restaurant, a bowling alley, and a Walmart distribution center. Police responded to reports of gunfire around 9 p.m. local time and urged residents to shelter in place as they searched for the gunman.
Witnesses described scenes of chaos and panic as people tried to escape or hide from the shooter. Some of the victims were transported to Central Maine Medical Center, which said it was reacting to a “mass casualty, mass shooter event” and coordinating with other hospitals in the area.
President Joe Biden has been briefed on the situation and offered full federal support to the state of Maine. He spoke to Governor Janet Mills, who expressed her condolences to the families of the victims and praised the bravery of the first responders.
This is one of the worst mass shootings in US history and the deadliest this year, as the country has witnessed more than 500 such incidents in 2023. Gun violence has been a persistent problem in America, where obtaining firearms is relatively easy and legal. Just five days ago, a 19-year-old man killed four people, including himself, in a shooting in Washington state.
