A man armed with a rifle is on the run after shooting at least 16 people in three different locations in Lewiston, Maine, on Wednesday night. The police have asked residents in Lewiston and the neighboring city of Auburn to shelter in place and lock their doors as they search for the suspect. The motive for the shootings is unknown.
What we know so far
- The shootings occurred around 8 p.m. at Sparetime Recreation, a bowling alley on Mollison Way; Schemengees Bar & Grille Restaurant on Lincoln Street; and a Walmart Distribution Center on Alfred A Plourde Parkway.
- At least 16 people are dead and 50 to 60 people are injured, some of them due to gunfire. The victims have not been identified yet.
- The suspect is described as a white male, wearing a black hoodie, jeans, and a mask. The Androscoggin County Sheriff’s Office released photos of the suspect and asked for public assistance in identifying him.
- The police have not confirmed if the suspect acted alone or had any accomplices. They have not revealed any possible connection between the suspect and the locations or the victims.
- The FBI has offered personnel and resources to assist the local authorities in the investigation.
- Maine Gov. Janet Mills said she has been briefed on the situation and urged people to follow the direction of state and local law enforcement.
How people are reacting
- Many people expressed shock and horror at the shootings, which are rare in Maine, a state with low crime rates and high gun ownership.
- Some people praised the first responders and medical staff for their swift and courageous actions in saving lives and treating the wounded.
- Some people called for stricter gun control laws and background checks to prevent such incidents from happening again.
- Some people offered prayers and condolences to the families and friends of the victims and hoped for justice for the perpetrator.