Desk Report:
In the wake of a harrowing turn of events, Lewiston, Maine, found itself in the grip of a series of mass shootings on a fateful Wednesday night. The Lewiston Police Department has been diligently conducting an investigation, and they have officially identified a person of interest. This article delves into the unfolding events and key details surrounding this tragedy.
Contents
The Identified Suspect
During a press conference held on Wednesday night, Maine Public Safety Commissioner Mike Sauschuck revealed that the individual under scrutiny is 40-year-old Robert Card, a resident of Bowdoin, Maine. Commissioner Sauschuck emphasized the urgency of the situation, designating Card as both armed and dangerous. The police have successfully located his vehicle in the nearby town of Lisbon.
The Grim Toll
While the exact number of casualties remains uncertain, Commissioner Sauschuck reported that there have been multiple casualties, further emphasizing the severity of the situation. He pointed out that the numbers are still uncertain and vary widely. The series of shootings commenced at 6:56 p.m. ET on that ill-fated evening.
Putting a Face to the Name
In a Facebook post, the Lewiston Police Department shared what appears to be a driver’s license photo of Robert Card. This image matches the person captured in surveillance footage carrying a long gun, as previously released by the authorities. The police urge the public to come forward with any information regarding Card’s whereabouts.
Community on Edge
As the search for the suspect in Wednesday’s shootings intensifies, a shelter-in-place order remains in effect for Androscoggin County, Maine. Initially, the police had advised residents to stay indoors with doors locked, citing an ongoing “manhunt in the area.”
The Medical Response
The Central Maine Medical Center in Lewiston swiftly responded to the crisis, labeling it a “mass casualty, mass shooter event.” The hospital has been collaborating with neighboring medical facilities to accommodate the influx of patients.
Scenes of the Crime
Lewiston police have linked the manhunt to shootings at at least two locations, including Schemengees Bar and Grille and Sparetime Recreation, a local bowling alley.
A City’s Resilience
Lewiston Mayor Carl Sheline expressed his heartache for the city’s residents and their ordeal, saying, “I am heartbroken for our city and our people. Lewiston is known for our strength and grit, and we will need both in the days to come.”
Ensuring Access for Emergency Responders
The police department has issued a request for the public to stay off the roads to facilitate the movement of emergency responders to hospitals. Commissioner Sauschuck highlighted that hundreds of police officers are diligently working throughout the state of Maine.
Hospitals on Alert
Maine Medical Center, the hospital system in Portland, has taken proactive steps by notifying on-call staff and creating additional critical care and operating room capacity in anticipation of potential patient transfers. In an emailed statement, the organization confirmed its readiness to receive one patient transport from Central Maine Medical Center. Other MaineHealth facilities are also on standby, having closed their campuses to non-hospital personnel and non-patients until further notice due to the dynamic nature of the situation.
Citywide Closures
In response to the ongoing crisis, the city of Lewiston has decided to close all municipal buildings on the following day. This includes City Hall, Lewiston Public Library, and the Armory. Additionally, all programs, events, and early voting at City Hall have been canceled. Non-emergency personnel are advised to stay at home.
School Closures
The superintendent of Lewiston Public Schools has announced the cancellation of all classes for the next day. In a statement on the school system’s website, Superintendent Jake Langlais acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding the situation and urged everyone to continue to shelter in place or seek safety.
National Response
The White House has confirmed that President Biden has been briefed on the shooting incident. He has engaged with several government officials in Maine, including Maine Governor Janet Mills, Senators Angus King and Susan Collins, and Representative Jared Golden. President Biden has offered “full federal support in the wake of this horrific attack.” The Justice Department, in a parallel statement, assured that they are closely monitoring the situation and that federal law enforcement agencies are collaborating with state and local law enforcement in Lewiston, Maine.
Ongoing Developments
As this is a developing story, it is crucial to exercise caution when considering information reported by the media. Some details may be subject to change. For the most reliable updates, it is advisable to rely on reports from law enforcement agencies, authoritative news sources, and reporters present at the scene. We will continue to provide updates as the situation unfolds.
