Mass shooting in Lewiston, Maine leaves 22 dead and dozens injured

A tragic mass shooting rocked the city of Lewiston in the state of Maine, United States, on Wednesday (25 Oct). The shooting occurred at two separate locations, claiming the lives of at least 22 people and leaving dozens injured. Law enforcement agencies have launched an intensive manhunt to apprehend those responsible for the heinous act.

As reported by The Guardian on Thursday (26 Oct), the initial mass shooting incident took place at the Sparetime Recreation bowling alley at around 7:00 PM local time. Shortly thereafter, another mass shooting occurred at the Schemengees Bar & Grille Restaurant, a bar and eatery located approximately 4 miles away from the first crime scene.

Law enforcement officers at Schemengees bar in Lewiston, Maine, where the assailant visited following a fatal shooting spree at a bowling alley. (Photo: Joseph Prezioso/AFP/Getty Images

The first warning for the city of Lewiston was issued when the Androscoggin County Sheriff’s Office reported investigating two active shooting incidents at 8:00 p.m. on the evening of Wednesday (25 Oct). They urged all local businesses to go on lockdown and/or close while the situation was being investigated.

The Androscoggin County Sheriff’s Office also released images of the suspect holding a high-powered assault rifle for identification. Images from one of the crime scenes on Wednesday night showed a bearded man in a brown hoodie and jeans brandishing a firearm in a firing position.

According to CNN, on Thursday (26 Oct), Mike Sauschuck, the Commissioner of Public Safety for the Maine Department, advised residents of Lewiston and the neighboring city of Lisbon to stay indoors. This caution extended to Lisbon after a small white SUV with a black front bumper was discovered in the area. The Maine State Police confirmed that this vehicle was used by the suspect and urged citizens to remain in their homes with locked doors, contacting 911 if they observed any suspicious activity or individuals.

The Lewiston police have released a picture of a car they believe has a black-painted front bumper; the vehicle suspected to be owned by the shooter to contact the police. (Photo: Lewiston Maine Police Department)

Meanwhile, Reuters reported on Thursday (26 Oct) that hundreds of law enforcement officers were conducting a thorough search of Lewiston and its surrounding areas to apprehend the individual responsible for the two separate mass shootings. State police identified the alleged perpetrator as Robert R. Card, aged 40.

The White House press office revealed that President Joe Biden personally spoke with Maine Governor Janet Mills, Senator Angus King, Senator Susan Collins, and Congressman Jared Golden over the phone regarding the Lewiston shootings. The President offered full federal support in the aftermath of this horrific attack.

The U.S. Departments of Justice and Homeland Security have also pledged support in response to the mass shooting incident in Maine. Attorney General Merrick Garland and Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas have both been briefed on the situation.

The Department of Justice spokesperson stated that Garland would continue to closely monitor the situation and that federal law enforcement agencies were assisting their state and local law enforcement partners in Lewiston, Maine.

A spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security expressed condolences to those who lost loved ones in the deadly shooting, stating, “The entire Department of Homeland Security mourns for the loved ones of those killed and injured, and stands with the brave law enforcement officers and first responders who are currently working to secure and protect the Lewiston community.