Authorities in Lewiston, Maine have issued a manhunt alert and asked locals to take cover inside their houses.
A manhunt for an armed suspect connected to at least two mass shooting incidents, which reportedly claimed at least 22 lives on Wednesday evening, has urged residents of Lewiston, Maine, to remain indoors.
The alleged gunman, a weapons specialist with US military training and a history of mental health issues, is still at large.
Around 7 p.m. local time, at the Sparetime Recreation bowling alley and Schemengees Bar and Grille in Lewiston, a city of roughly 36,000 people, a shooting spree broke out. Although the number of victims has not yet been formally confirmed by the authorities, a nearby hospital has stated that it is “responding to a mass casualty, mass shooter incident.”
Citing law enforcement officials, CNN said that at least 22 people were murdered and numerous others were injured. NBC and Fox News claimed at least 22 deaths, while ABC News stated at least 20 people died.
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“Lewiston is home to an active shooter. We request that people stay indoors. Please lock your doors and remain inside your house. According to a post on X (previously Twitter), the Maine State Police, law enforcement is now conducting investigations at several sites.
Multiple images of the alleged gunman have been made public by the authorities. They feature a Caucasian man with a long rifle, dressed in black trousers and a brown top.
Two incidents involving active shooters are being looked into by Androscoggin County law enforcement. As we do our investigation, we are advising all businesses to either lock down or close,” the Androscoggin County Sheriff’s Office stated in a Facebook post.
Following her briefing on the matter, Maine Governor Janet Mills indicated that she is still in “close contact with public safety officials” and that “all people in the area should follow the direction of State and local law enforcement.”
According to a senior White House official, President Joe Biden was also informed about the shootings and “will continue to receive updates” on the situation.
