Police hunt for man linked to major mass shootings in Lewiston, Maine

Hundreds of police searched the city of Lewiston and surrounding areas of Maine state for a man sought in connection with mass shootings at a bar and a bowling alley, as news outlets reported a death toll ranging from 16 to 22, with dozens more wounded.

Officials said there were multiple casualties but declined to provide figures.

The police have identified the assailant as 40-year-old Robert Card as a person of interest in the mass shooting. Law enforcement officials in Maine describe Card as a certified firearms instructor and a member of the US Army Reserves.

Police are investigating at least two active shooter events in Lewiston, Maine, the county sheriff reported on Wednesday night while posting two photographs of a suspect pointing what appeared to be a semiautomatic rifle.

A shelter-in-place order has been extended to the entire state, with police advising that everyone lock their doors, windows and cars.

"We are encouraging all businesses to lock down and or close while we investigate. The suspect is still at large," the Androscoggin County Sheriff's Office said in a statement on Facebook.

The Sun Journal, citing a Lewiston police spokesperson, reported shootings at three separate businesses: Sparetime Recreation, Schemengees Bar & Grille Restaurant, and a Walmart distribution center.

Official warnings on the shooter

"There is an active shooter in Lewiston," Maine state police said on the social media platform X. "We ask people to shelter in place. Please stay inside your home with the doors locked. Law enforcement is currently investigating at multiple locations."

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

The county sheriff asked for the public's help in identifying the pictured suspect, a bearded man in a long-sleeved shirt and jeans holding a rifle in the firing position.

BREAKING-According to Androscoggin County Sheriff’s Office, a Lewiston, Maine active shooter is still at large. If you’re in the area stay at home. pic.twitter.com/5NKGnIiKyR

— Laurie (@Laurieluvsmolly) October 26, 2023

"The FBI Boston Division continues to coordinate with our local, state and federal law enforcement partners in Maine and we stand ready to assist with any available resources they need, including evidence response, investigative and tactical support, as well as victim assistance," the FBI in Boston said in a statement.

"We continue to urge the public to remain vigilant and report any and all suspicious activity and/or individuals to law enforcement immediately," the statement added. "As this situation is still very fluid, we have no further comment at this time and will refer you to the Maine State Police."

#FBI Boston Statement on Shootings in Lewiston, Maine. pic.twitter.com/Nny0D6fUr8

— FBI Boston (@FBIBoston) October 26, 2023

"This is a very active and dynamic situation. The image of at least one active killer has been released by police. He is armed with a tactical rifle," Jim Cavanaugh, an NBC News law enforcement contributor and a former special agent in the ATF, said told NBC. "Law Enforcement is now swarming the area attempting to locate, isolate and eliminate the active killer or killers." 

Public schools in Lewiston will be closed tomorrow, the district's superintendent announced, according NBC News.

"There remains a lot of unknowns at this time. Information moves quickly but not alway accurately," Jake Langlais, the superintendent, said in a message on the district's website. "Please continue to shelter in place or get to safety. We will continue to update you with information and next steps as appropriate."

"Stay close to your loved ones. Embrace them. Our prayers go out to those who lost someone tonight." 

Mass shootings in the US

The massacre is the deadliest mass shooting in the United States since at least May 2022, when a gunman opened fire at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas, killing 19 children and two teachers, according to the Gun Violence Archive.

The number of US shootings in which four or more people were shot has surged since the COVID-19 pandemic began in 2020, with 647 occurring in 2022 and 679 projected to occur in 2023, based on trends as of July, according to data from the archive.

The deadliest US mass shooting on record is the massacre of 58 people by a gunman firing on a Las Vegas country music festival from a high-rise hotel perch in 2017.

Officials express their Grief

US Senator Angus King, the Independent representative for Maine, posted on X that he "is deeply sad for the city of Lewiston and all those worried about their family, friends and neighbors. He's receiving regular updates, awaits further details from local authorities, and will be headed directly home to Maine once the Senate's final vote is held tomorrow afternoon. Given the shelter in place currently underway, he asks all in Androscoggin County to allow first responders to address the threat, stay indoors, and report any suspicious behavior to the local authorities."

A statement on the reports of an active shooter in Lewiston: pic.twitter.com/c3HXmowOMh

— Senator Angus King (@SenAngusKing) October 26, 2023

"Like all Mainers, I'm horrified by the events in Lewiston tonight. 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," Congressman Jared Golden said on X.

My statement on reports of an active shooter in Lewiston: pic.twitter.com/bigjn9YZsv

— Congressman Jared Golden (@RepGolden) October 26, 2023

"The President spoke by phone individually to Maine Governor Janet Mills, Senators Angus King and Susan Collins, and Congressman Jared Golden about the shooting in Lewiston, Maine and offered full federal support in the wake of this horrific attack,” the White House said in a statement.