Tragedy struck the city of Lewiston, Maine, on Wednesday evening when a series of shootings left at least 22 people dead and numerous others injured. Local officials and law enforcement agencies are grappling with the unfolding situation as the gunman remains at large.
The deadly incidents occurred at various locations, including a bowling alley and a local restaurant and bar. Local authorities, led by City Councilor Robert McCarthy, confirmed the rising death toll, and he mentioned that "many, many more" individuals had been wounded during the shooting spree.
A tentative identification of the shooter at the bowling alley was reported, but the suspect's whereabouts are still unknown. The local police released a photo on Facebook, showing the gunman carrying what appeared to be a semi-automatic style weapon inside the bowling alley, urgently declaring him wanted. They have also requested the public's assistance in identifying a white SUV, possibly with a black-painted front bumper, believed to be associated with the shooter.
The Androscoggin County Sheriff’s Department revealed that they are currently investigating two active shooter events and have advised all local businesses to lock down or close temporarily during the ongoing investigation. The suspect remains on the loose.
The White House reported that President Joe Biden has been briefed on the matter, and Maine Governor Janet Mills expressed her awareness of the active shooter situation in Lewiston.
CNN, citing multiple law enforcement sources, has reported that between 50 to 60 people sustained injuries during the incidents. However, it remains unclear how many of these injuries were a result of gunfire.
The shootings were initially reported at the Sparetime Recreation bowling alley around 7:15 pm local time, with law enforcement and rescuers swiftly responding to the active shooter situation. Subsequently, another shooting was reported at Schemengees Bar & Grille, followed by yet another incident at a local Walmart distribution center around 8:15 pm.
In response to the tragic events, Maine Congressman Jared Golden expressed his horror and sorrow on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, stating, "Like all Mainers, I’m horrified by the events in Lewiston tonight. This is my hometown. Right now, all of us are looking to local law enforcement as they gain control of the situation and gather information. Our hearts break for those who are affected."
The United States continues to grapple with a pervasive issue of gun violence, with more guns than people and contentious debates surrounding gun control. The nation has witnessed over 500 mass shootings in the current year, as reported by the Gun Violence Archive, a non-governmental organization that defines a mass shooting as an incident where four or more people are wounded or killed.
Efforts to implement stricter gun control measures have long been met with resistance, particularly from Republican lawmakers who staunchly defend the constitutional right to bear arms. Despite widespread outrage over recurring shootings, political gridlock on this issue persists.
This tragic incident in Lewiston serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges and debates surrounding gun violence in the United States, as authorities work tirelessly to bring the responsible individual to justice and support those affected by this devastating event.
