Maine, US : On Wednesday night in the state of Maine, a tragic incident unfolded, resulting in the loss of at least 22 lives and leaving 30 individuals wounded due to shootings. Law enforcement has launched a manhunt to locate the individual responsible.
The shootings occurred in the city of Lewiston, specifically at Sparetime Recreation, a bowling alley situated on Mollison Way, and Schemengees Bar & Grille Restaurant on Lincoln Street. An active shooter situation prompted an emergency alert urging the public to seek shelter. The local sheriff's office released images of a suspect wielding a high-powered assault-style rifle. The Lewiston Police Department has identified Robert Card as a person of interest. Card is a firearms instructor in the US Army Reserve who was recently discharged from a mental health facility after experiencing hallucinations.
According to a statement on Facebook by the Lewiston police, "Law Enforcement is attempting to locate Robert Card 4/4/1983, as a person of interest regarding the mass shooting at Schemengees Bar and Sparetime Recreation this evening. CARD should be considered armed and dangerous. Please contact law enforcement if you are aware of his whereabouts." A significant law enforcement presence is currently engaged in the search for Card across the state of Maine.
Maine Governor Janet Mills has been briefed on the situation and issued a statement urging residents to heed the directives of state and local law enforcement. She expressed her commitment to monitoring the situation closely and maintaining close contact with public safety officials.
US President Joe Biden has communicated with several Maine lawmakers by phone in response to the Lewiston mass shootings. The White House press office confirmed that he "offered full federal support in the wake of this horrific attack" during conversations with Maine Governor Janet Mills, Senators Angus King and Susan Collins, and Congressman Jared Golden.
Earlier, the Lewiston police issued a description of a vehicle with a black-painted front bumper in connection with the ongoing investigation into the active shootings in Lewiston. Assistance from the FBI and US Homeland Security has been offered in response to this tragic incident.
A spokesperson from the Department of Homeland Security expressed condolences for the victims and their families and extended support to the dedicated law enforcement officers and first responders working diligently to ensure the safety of the people in Lewiston.
The FBI office in Boston has also conveyed its readiness to collaborate, stating, "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."