In a heart-wrenching turn of events, the city of Lewiston, Maine, was plunged into sorrow on Wednesday evening as a spree of shootings left at least 22 individuals dead and numerous others grievously wounded, overwhelming local medical facilities with a deluge of gunshot victims.
City Councillor Robert McCarthy, in conversation with CNN, confirmed the grim toll, indicating that the death count had ascended to 22 due to the unrelenting assault that unfolded not only within a bowling alley but also at least one other establishment, a local restaurant and bar, as reported by the media.
McCarthy elucidated, “My understanding is that they have a tentative identification of the shooter at the bowling alley, confirmed 22 dead, many, many more injured.”
The immediate aftermath of the incident saw an influx of rescue vehicles converging from across central Maine to provide critical aid to the wounded. McCarthy added that the two prominent Lewiston hospitals had summoned every available off-duty staff member to grapple with the crisis.
While a state dinner, honoring Australia’s prime minister, was in full swing, President Joe Biden made urgent calls to Maine’s governor, its two senators, and a local congressman to extend federal support, as relayed by the White House.
Local law enforcement disseminated an image of the suspected shooter via Facebook, brandishing what appeared to be a semi-automatic firearm within the confines of the bowling alley. Subsequently, they issued a bulletin for a 40-year-old individual named Robert Card, categorizing the suspect in the mass shooting as “armed and dangerous.” Authorities urged the public to promptly report any knowledge regarding his whereabouts.
Moreover, the police released an image of a white SUV and implored the community to assist in identifying this vehicle, as its front bumper may have been discreetly painted black.
The Androscoggin County Sheriff’s Department conveyed the disquieting news on Facebook, stating, “Law enforcement are investigating two active shooter events. We are encouraging all businesses to lock down and/or close while we investigate. The suspect is still at large.”
Maine Governor Janet Mills conveyed awareness of and her briefing on the active shooter situation in Lewiston.
CNN, in its coverage, reported that a minimum of 50 to 60 individuals sustained injuries during these harrowing incidents, citing multiple law enforcement sources. It remained unclear how many of these injuries were the direct result of gunfire.
The narrative of the tragic events unfolded as police and rescue teams swiftly descended upon the Sparetime Recreation bowling alley, approximately at 7:15 pm local time, in response to the active shooter report. Subsequent reports indicated another shooting transpired at the Schemengees Bar & Grille, as documented by the local Sun Journal newspaper. Shockingly, at 8:15 pm, yet another shooting incident was reported, this time at a local Walmart distribution center.
Maine Congressman Jared Golden took to social media, expressing his profound distress: “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.”
As the weight of the tragedy bore down on the community, distraught citizens flocked to local hospitals, seeking solace and support during this dire hour.
This incident ranks among the deadliest in the United States since the fateful shooting in Las Vegas in 2017, when a gunman unleashed a fusillade upon a crowded music festival, claiming the lives of approximately 60 individuals.
Gun violence continues to plague the United States, a nation with more firearms than inhabitants, where efforts to enact stricter gun control measures invariably encounter staunch resistance. Despite the widespread public outcry over the recurring carnage, the political stalemate persists.
Lewiston, the second most populous city in Maine, is situated approximately 50 kilometers to the north of the state’s largest metropolis, Portland.
