Maine | Shootings leave at least 22 dead and 50 injured

At least 22 people lost their lives and dozens of others were injured in several separate shootings in Lewiston, Maine, on Wednesday evening, sending shock waves through this town of some 36,000 residents.

According to a preliminary report cited by the American television network CNN, between 50 and 60 people were also injured in these incidents. It is currently unknown how many of these victims were shot.

“We are currently experiencing an active shooter incident. Please stay off the roads to allow emergency responders to access hospitals,” local Lewiston police briefly indicated on social media, sharing photos of the potential suspect, who is still at large.

A photo of a vehicle believed to be the one the suspect allegedly used was also shared online. Police said they believe the front bumper of this car may be painted black.

For the moment, two sectors have been formally identified by the authorities as locations targeted by shootings. These are Schemengees, a restaurant on Lincoln Street, and Sparetime Recreation, a bowling alley on Mollison Way. According to the local newspaper The Sunanother shooting reportedly took place at a Walmart distribution center on Alfred A. Plourde Parkway.

Robert Card, a 40-year-old former military man, was identified as a person of interest in the investigation shortly before 11 p.m. The man “should be considered armed and dangerous,” Lewiston police said. Maine State Police, for their part, asked people to shelter in place and stay inside their homes at all times, with doors locked.

FBI offers help

Given the severity and scale of the event, the FBI offered personnel and resources to local authorities in Maine. “We are prepared to assist them with any available resources they require, including response to evidence, investigative and tactical support, and victim assistance,” the Boston branch of the FBI confirmed.

A team from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives also attended the scene. The Central Maine Medical Center, for its part, confirmed that a special protocol was activated to treat the numerous victims of these shootings.

“Lewiston is known for its strength and its courage and we will need both in the days to come,” reacted the mayor of Lewiston, Carl Sheline, in a statement shared with several American networks, where he emphasizes that he is “heartbroken for our city and our people.”

In Washington, President Joe Biden was also made aware of the situation, the White House said in the evening. On X, the governor of the State of Maine, Janet Mills, also confirmed that she was following the matter closely. “I urge everyone living in the area to follow state and local guidelines. I will continue to monitor the situation and stay in close contact with public security officials,” she briefly emphasized.

By the end of the evening, voices were already being heard condemning the impact of firearms on the number of shootings in the United States. Among them, the governor of New York State, Kathy Hochul, denounced that “more lives are being lost to gun violence”. “Weapons of war have no place on American streets. How many more gun deaths do we have to endure before this country comes to its senses? “, she asked herself.

Lewiston is located in southern Maine, not far from Portland. It is also the second largest city in this American state which shares a border with Quebec. Approximately 240 kilometers separate Lewiston from the city of Sherbrooke, Quebec.