Lewiston, Maine witnessed a horrifying event on Wednesday as multiple shootings left at least 22 people dead, according to a police source cited by NBC. More than 50-60 individuals were injured, although it remains unclear how many of these injuries were caused by gunfire.
This tragic shooting spree occurred at various locations, including a bowling alley, a local bar, and a Walmart distribution centre, as reported by ABC News. Law enforcement officials, on condition of anonymity, told the Associated Press that the death toll is anticipated to rise as investigators continue to process crime scenes and gather evidence.
The Lewiston Police initiated investigations into at least two active shooter events within the city, accompanied by photographs of a suspect wielding what appeared to be a semiautomatic rifle, as per the reports.
Authorities have urged local businesses to lock down or close temporarily as they search for the suspect, who remains at large. The Androscoggin County Sheriff’s Office issued a statement on Facebook to convey this message.
The Maine State Police also warned residents of an “active shooter” and advised them to shelter in place, emphasizing the importance of staying indoors with locked doors.
There is an active shooter in Lewiston. We ask people to shelter in place. Please stay inside your home with the doors locked. Law enforcement is currently investigating at multiple locations. If you see any suspicious activity or individuals please call 911. Updates to follow. pic.twitter.com/RrGMG6AvSI
— Maine State Police (@MEStatePolice) October 26, 2023
President Joe Biden has been briefed on the incident, according to a US official.
Lewiston Mayor Carl Sheline expressed his condolences for the city’s residents, stating, “Lewiston is known for our strength and grit, and we will need both in the days to come.”
This event marks the deadliest mass shooting in the United States since May 2022 when a shooter tragically claimed the lives of 19 children and two teachers at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas. The rise in shootings involving four or more individuals since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 is a growing concern, with data from the Gun Violence Archive reporting at least 647 such incidents in 2022.
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