Lewiston, Maine, was rocked by a wave of shootings on Wednesday night as a gunman went on a rampage, leaving dozens injured. The incident prompted a swift response from law enforcement, who urged residents and businesses to lock down as they hunted for the suspect.
The turmoil began at Sparetime Recreation on Mollison Way, where police, fire, and rescue personnel were called around 7:15 pm local time following reports of an active shooter. Shortly after, news spread of another shooting at a local bar and restaurant called Schemengees on Lincoln Street. And about an hour later, law enforcement confirmed yet another shooting at the Walmart Distribution Center on Alfred A Plourde Parkway, with the Androscoggin County Sheriff’s office releasing images of the suspect entering a bowling alley.
Videos circulating online depicted a heavy police presence in the area, while the Maine State Police used social media to instruct the public to shelter in place and remain indoors with locked doors. With law enforcement investigating multiple locations, they urged anyone who witnessed suspicious activity or individuals to contact emergency services.
Lewiston Public Schools also sent out a text alert, notifying those attending conferences in or near the school to find a safe place as the campus entered lockdown. Meanwhile, the Central Maine Medical Center categorized the incident as a mass casualty event but provided no specific details regarding the number of casualties. Central Maine Healthcare has been coordinating with other hospitals to ensure adequate patient care.
According to sources briefed on the situation, ABC News reported a death toll of ten, along with numerous injured individuals. CNN sources, on the other hand, mentioned 16 fatalities and between 50 to 60 wounded. Determining the exact number of victims remained challenging in the initial aftermath of the chaos.
Law enforcement is diligently working to identify the shooter, who was still at large as of Wednesday evening. The sheriff’s department released photos of a bearded man wearing a brown sweatshirt and dark trousers. He appeared to be carrying a large assault-style weapon. The gunman’s pants had bulging pockets, suggesting the potential presence of additional ammunition. John Miller, Chief Law Enforcement and Intelligence Analyst for CNN, described the weapon as an AR15-style rifle with a potential telescopic sight.
As investigations continue and the city of Lewiston grapples with the aftermath of this horrific event, authorities are focused on apprehending the suspect and bringing him to justice. The community is left in shock and mourning, with prayers and support pouring in from around the nation.
