At least 16 people dead after multiple shootings, sources say, as manhunt is underway


Editor’s Note: CNN’s continuing coverage of the shootings in Lewiston can be found here.



CNN
 — 

At least 16 people are dead and dozens are injured following two shootings Wednesday night at a bowling alley and a restaurant in Lewiston, Maine, sources say, and an intensive manhunt is underway for a person of interest.

Robert Card, 40, of Bowdoin, is a person of interest and should be considered armed and dangerous, Maine Department of Public Safety Commissioner Mike Sauschuck said.

Law enforcement officials in Maine tell CNN that Card is a certified firearms instructor and a member of the US Army Reserve. Card had recently made threats to carry out a shooting at a National Guard facility in Saco, Maine, and also reported mental health issues, including hearing voices, the officials said.

During a news conference Wednesday night, Sauschuck declined to provide further information about Card. “We’re not prepared to go into (Card’s) background,” he said.

Lewiston Police Department identified Robert Card as a

At least 16 people are dead, law enforcement officials told CNN. Lewiston City Councilor Robert McCarthy told CNN Wednesday night 22 people had been killed, citing a city administrator.

Dozens were injured, though it wasn’t immediately clear how many were hurt due to gunfire, the law enforcement sources told CNN.

Dozens were injured, though it wasn’t immediately unclear how many were injured due to gunfire, multiple law enforcement sources told CNN.

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The shootings occurred around 7 p.m. ET, Sauschuck said. Lewiston police reported active shooting incidents at Sparetime Recreation, a bowling alley on Mollison Way, and Schemengees Bar & Grille Restaurant on Lincoln Street.

“We are encouraging all businesses to lock down and or close while we investigate,” the Androscoggin County Sheriff’s Office said in a post on Facebook Wednesday evening.

The sheriff’s office released images of a “suspect for identification.” The person can be seen holding a high-powered assault-style rifle.

The Androscoggin County Sheriff's office released an image believed to be the suspect at large in a shooting in Lewiston, Maine.

Residents of Lewiston and the neighboring town of Lisbon are under shelter-in-place orders, Sauschuck said.

A “vehicle of interest” was found in Lisbon, the commissioner said. Earlier, Lewiston police said they were searching for a vehicle and posted an image of what appeared to be a small, white SUV with a front bumper believed to be painted black. Maine State Police confirmed to CNN the image is of the suspect’s car.

Lewiston is about 36 miles north of Portland and is the state’s second-largest city.

“Please stay inside your home with the doors locked,” state police said in a post on Facebook. “If you see any suspicious activity or individuals please call 911.”

The Lewiston Police Department released this image of a vehicle connected to the active shooter situation.

More about Lewiston

  • Second most populous city in Maine
  • Population: 38,493 (2022)
  • Median household income: $48,069 (2021)
  • Demographics: 83.4% White, 7.3% Black

A city spokesperson originally told the Sun Journal newspaper that another shooting was reported at a Walmart distribution center, but a company spokesperson told CNN none of Walmart’s facilities was involved in the incidents.

Officials in the nearby city of Auburn also “strongly urged” residents to shelter in place due to the ongoing active shooter situation, according to a post on X, formerly Twitter.

Mass shootings: Read more

Auburn is less than 2 miles west from Lewiston.

In a statement, the FBI said its Boston division is coordinating with law enforcement partners in Maine and stands “ready to assist with any available resources,” and urged the public to remain vigilant.

Maine Gov. Janet Mills said Wednesday night she has been briefed on the situation.

“I urge all people in the area to follow the direction of State and local enforcement. I will to continue to monitor the situation and remain in close contact with public safety officials,” the governor said on Facebook.

CNN’s Jamiel Lynch, Josh Campbell, Christina Maxouris and Chris Boyette contributed to this report.





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