Washington, United States: The United States of America experienced a tragic incidence of multiple shootings in Maine’s Lewiston city on Wednesday, October 25. At least 22 people were killed in the incident, according to the reports by CNN.
The police officials have outlined that as many as 50-60 people were reported to be injured. However, it was unclear how many were injured because of the gunfire.
The officials of the Lewiston Police Department reached the spot in no time and were on a manhunt for many hours. The latest information provided by the Department underscored Robert Card, 40, as a person of interest in connection with this multiple shootings incident. The police shared that there are chances that Card should have arms, which was considered to be dangerous.
Where does mass shooting erupt?
The mass shooting took place at the bowling alley, a local bar and a Walmart distribution center, according to ABC News.
The law officials told the news agency AP that the crime scene is still under processing and the police have been working effortlessly to gather evidence.
The Lewiston Police shared two photographs showing the suspect with a semiautomatic rifle. The Department has been investigating at least “two active shooter events” in the city, reported Reuters.
In this regard, the Androscoggin County Sheriff’s Office shared an official statement on its official account. While sharing the update, the office mentioned, “We are encouraging all businesses to lock down and or close while we investigate. The suspect is still at large.”
Maine State Police’s remarks about the incident
Through its official X account, formerly known as Twitter, Maine State Police alerted the general public about “an active shooter.” It further noted, “We ask people to shelter in place. Please stay inside your home with the doors locked. Law enforcement is currently investigating at multiple locations.”
Regarding the same, in a recent announcement, the White House disclosed that President Joe Biden had made direct calls to Maine Governor Janet Mills, two senators, and a local congressman, offering federal support.
The statement by the White House read, “The president spoke by phone individually to Maine Governor Janet Mills, Senators Angus King and Susan Collins, and Congressman Jared Golden about the shooting in Lewiston, Maine and offered full federal support in the wake of this horrific attack.”
Mayor of Lewiston’s statement
Carl Sheline, Lewiston Mayor, asked the residents and citizens to follow the recommended guidelines and expressed that he is “heartbroken for the city and its people.” Sheline, during a conversation with CNN, said, “Lewiston is known for our strength and grit and we will need both in the days to come.”
Mass shootings in the United States
The shooting is reportedly the worst mass shooting in the United States since May 2022, when a person shot and killed 19 children and two (2) teachers at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas, according to data from Reuters, which got its stats from the Gun Violence Archive.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic started in 2020, there have been more shootings in the United States where four or more people were shot. In 2022, at least 647 of these incidents were reported, according to the archive’s data.