16 dead in Maine mass shooting as police hunt for gunman
At least 16 people were killed in Lewiston, Maine on Wednesday night in a mass shooting incident at two separate locations, and the suspect remains at large.
Lewiston Police said there was an active-shooter situation at Schemengees Bar and Grille, a restaurant, and at Sparetime Recreation, a bowling alley about four miles away. People in the bowling alley said the shooting began at about 7 p.m.
Residents have been instructed to shelter in place.
Police released a photo of a person of interest, identified as 40-year-old Robert Card — a firearms instructor in the Army Reserve assigned to a training facility in Saco, Maine. Police warned Card is “considered armed and dangerous.”
Over the summer, Card spent two weeks in a mental health facility, according to a document circulated to law enforcement officials and reported by The Associated Press (AP). The suspect, according to the document, said he was “hearing voices and threats to shoot up” the military base.
Maine State Police expanded the shelter in place advisory overnight to include residents of Lisbon, after they found a vehicle of interest there. By Thursday morning, residents of Bowdoin were also included.
More than 100 federal and local investigators are working to locate Card. Many schools in the area remained closed on Thursday, as police asked residents to remain at home and lock their doors.
Survivors reported Card entered the bowling alley and began shooting. Many said they hid behind pins and climbed up into the machinery to remain safe.
Police said they set up a location at a local middle school for families and friends concerned about loved ones.
Two law enforcement officials told the AP that at least 16 people died, but Michael Sauschuck, commissioner of the Maine Department of Public Safety, declined to provide a specific number.
Maine Gov. Janet Mills (D), who was briefed on the situation, urged residents in the area to follow the direction of law enforcement.
"I will to continue to monitor the situation and remain in close contact with public safety officials," she said.
President Biden, who called the incident a "horrific attack," spoke by phone to Mills, Sens. Angus King (I) and Susan Collins (R), and Rep. Jared Golden (D) about the incident, according to the White House. He offered full federal support.
"Like all Mainers, I'm horrified by the events in Lewiston tonight," Golden said in a statement. "This is my hometown. Right now, all of us are looking to local law enforcement as they gain control of the situation and gather information."
"Our hearts break for those who are affected and we encourage everyone to follow the directions of the authorities as they conduct their work," he added.