At the very least 20 individuals are feared to have been killed after a taking pictures within the US state of Maine, with the suspect – a firearms teacher – nonetheless at massive.
Authorities in Lewiston are investigating “two lively shooter occasions” and have warned folks to remain inside, away from home windows, with doorways locked.
Police have launched photographs of a person with a military-style assault rifle in a bowling alley and say they’re on the lookout for “armed and harmful” Robert Card.
The 40-year-old, with 20 years navy service, labored as a military firearms teacher and just lately frolicked at a psychological well being facility after listening to voices, in accordance with an inner police discover.
Cops, many armed with rifles, have taken up positions throughout the town, and roads have been shut because the manhunt continues.
Police have launched photographs of the suspect. Pic: Androscoggin County Sheriff’s Workplace
The suspect is 40-year-old Robert Card. Pic: Lewiston Police Division
In accordance with legislation enforcement sources, between 15 to twenty individuals are believed to have been killed.
NBC Information earlier reported 22 fatalities, citing a Lewiston police supply.
As many as 50 individuals are additionally stated to have been injured, not all of whom have been shot. Some reportedly had accidents from a stampede.
Pic: Lewiston Police Division
Pic: Lewiston Police Division
Police say the shootings occurred at about 7pm on Wednesday at Schemengees Bar and Grille and Sparetime Recreation, a bowling alley – that are located about 4 miles aside.
Additionally they posted a photograph of a white Subaru they need to discover out extra particulars about, which was later discovered within the close by city of Lisbon the place residents have additionally been advised to remain at house.
This photograph, launched by police, exhibits a automobile officers are searching for info on in connection to the taking pictures: Pic: Lewiston Maine Police Division through AP
One witness, who recognized himself solely as Brandon, was on the bowling alley and described how the gunman appeared “out of nowhere” and was “15 toes behind me” when he heard “a loud pop” and the primary of a number of gunshots.
“As quickly as I turned and noticed it was not a balloon and he was holding a weapon, I simply booked it down the lane,” he stated.
“I slid mainly into the place the pins are and climbed up into the machine, and was on high of the machines for about 10 minutes earlier than the cops received there.”
Households have gathered within the neighbouring metropolis of Auburn, Maine, to be reunited with their family members. Pic: Derek Davis/Portland Press Herald through AP
He was amongst survivors who have been pushed to the neighbouring metropolis of Auburn to be reunited with household and mates.
“I used to be placing on my bowling footwear when it began. I have been barefoot for 5 hours,” he added.
Sky’s US correspondent Martha Kelner stated the proprietor of the bowling alley says it was packed on the time with no less than 100 folks, together with round 20 kids.
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‘My son was on the bar and we have heard nothing’
Central Maine Medical Heart referred to a “mass casualty, mass shooter occasion” however didn’t give numbers.
Off-duty employees, medical doctors and nurses have been requested to return in to work to cope with the variety of casualties.
Hospitals as far-off as Portland, about 35 miles to the south, have been positioned on alert to probably obtain victims.
Maine’s public well being commissioner, Mike Sauschuck, confirmed a number of casualties but in addition stated he did not have a exact determine.
He stated “lots of” of police are on the lookout for “particular person of curiosity” Robert Card.
Learn extra: What we know about Maine shooting suspect
Stretchers are lined up outdoors Central Maine Medical Heart. Pic: Derek Davis/Portland Press/through AP
Kelner stated info launched by officers instructed the gunman was a member of the US Military Reserve affected by psychological well being points, who had threatened to hold out a taking pictures at a coaching facility in Saco, Maine, which he was assigned to.
“Questions will come down the highway about simply why and the way he was capable of keep possession of such a robust weapon,” she stated.
President Joe Biden has been briefed and spoke to the state’s governor to supply full federal assist, the White Home stated.
Police are looking the town of Lewiston and surrounding areas of Maine state for the gunman. Pic: AP
Governor Janet Mills echoed police directions for residents to remain off the streets and companies to lockdown or shut till authorities give the all-clear.
Superintendent Jake Langlais stated colleges can be shut on Thursday, including: “Keep near your family members. Embrace them.”
The shootings befell at Schemengees Bar and Grille and Sparetime Recreation, a bowling alley – located about 4 miles aside in Lewiston, Maine
The mayor of Auburn – positioned simply throughout the Androscoggin River – advised reporters witnesses “of all ages” together with youngsters are being interviewed at an undisclosed protected location.
Jason Levesque added households gathering at a college within the metropolis are being advised whether or not their family members, who had been on the bar and bowling alley, are among the many casualties.
“There’s worry, there’s panic,” he stated, including: “One thing like this does not simply get solved in a single day and no one can anticipate it to. However we have got a very robust group. We have overcome quite a bit and we’ll overcome this.”
Lewiston is a metropolis of about 35,000 folks within the far northeast of the US.
Maine has one of many lowest per capita homicide charges in America, with state police recording solely 29 homicides in 2022.
Earlier than Wednesday’s incident, the deadliest US mass shooting of 2023 was in Monterey Park, California, the place 11 folks have been murdered throughout a Chinese language New 12 months occasion.