22 Killed, Dozens Wounded in Shootings in Lewiston, Maine

A sense of fear and shock have descended upon the quiet city of Lewiston tonight, as reports of a mass shooting began to pour in.

According to law enforcement sources and witnesses, a gunman opened fire in three separate locations, killing at least 22 people and injuring over 50 others. The suspect, now identified as 40-year-old Robert Card, is still at large, with police warning that he should be considered "armed and dangerous." The situation is ongoing, and authorities are urging residents to stay indoors as they search for the active shooter.

“Well, Mr. Card, who we're speaking about right now is a person of interest and a person of interest only, right? I'm not listing him as a suspect at this point and we're not prepared to go into his background or anything else that we may be aware of.”

The first shots were fired at a bowling alley, Sparetime Recreation, where multiple victims were reported. The gunman then moved on to Schemengees Bar and Grille Restaurant and a Walmart distribution center, leaving a trail of chaos and devastation behind him.

Surrounding towns have been called in to provide aid, as the city's emergency services are stretched thin. The Androscoggin Sheriff's Office shared images of the suspect carrying a rifle and confirmed that there were two active shooter events.

According to law enforcement sources, Card is a trained firearms instructor believed to be in the Army Reserve stationed out of Saco, Maine. He had recently reported "hearing voices" and had threatened to shoot up the National Guard Base where he was stationed. Sources also revealed that he had been committed to a mental health facility over the summer and was released after a two-week stay.

The possible suspect as Robert Card, of Boutin, Maine, is a trained firearms instructor believed to be in the Army Reserve stationed out of Saco, Maine, according to law enforcement sources in the state.

Maine State Police issued a warning for local residents and businesses to lock their doors and shelter in place as they continue to search for the suspect. "Please stay off the streets and allow law enforcement to diffuse the situation," they urged. "If you see any suspicious activity or individuals, please call 911." The situation is considered to be ongoing and fluid, with authorities unable to provide details on the victims or the shootings themselves at this point.

Police sources identified the possible suspect as Robert Card, 40, and said he may be driving a white Subaru Outback. He should be considered “armed and dangerous,” was reportedly committed to a mental health facility over the summer and was released after a two-week stay, the sources added.

As the news of the mass shooting spread, panic and chaos ensued in the community. Lewiston public schools, which were holding parent-teacher conferences, were placed on lockdown. The district later announced that there would be no school on Thursday.

"There remains a lot of unknowns at this time. Information moves quickly but not always accurately," the district wrote on Facebook. "Please continue to shelter in place or get to safety. Stay close to your loved ones. Embrace them. Our prayers go out to those who lost someone tonight. Our prayers go out to all those working to stop further loss of life."

Maine State Police said the armed suspect is believed to be in Lewiston and advised local residents and businesses to lock their doors and shelter in place. “Please stay off the streets and allow law enforcement to diffuse the situation,” the state agency warned residents. “If you see any suspicious activity or individuals, please call 911.”

The deadly mass shooting is a shock to the small city, as Maine saw only 29 homicides in all of last year.

Governor Janet Mills has been briefed on the situation and is urging all residents to follow the directions of state and local enforcement. "I will continue to monitor the situation and remain in close contact with public safety officials," she wrote on Twitter.

President Biden has also been notified of the mass shooting and is receiving updates. The White House has stated, "The president has been briefed on what's known so far about the mass shooting in Lewiston, Maine, and will continue to receive updates."

As the hunt for Robert Card continues, the Lewiston community is left reeling from this senseless act of violence.

Look for more updates from THE LOBBY.