No less than 16 killed in shootings in Lewiston, Maine, regulation enforcement officers say

No less than 16 folks have been killed in shootings in Lewiston, Maine, Wednesday evening, a number of regulation enforcement officers advised CBS Information, however they indicated the loss of life toll may very well be larger than 20.

A number of sources mentioned not less than 50 folks have been injured, nevertheless it was unclear what number of had been shot. A suspect was nonetheless at giant, police mentioned.

Authorities try to find 40-year-old Robert Card as an individual of curiosity within the shootings, the Lewiston Police Division mentioned in a Fb put up late Wednesday evening. He’s thought-about armed and harmful. 

In response to a Maine regulation enforcement bulletin seen by CBS Information, Card is a educated firearms teacher believed to be within the Military reserve stationed out of Saco, Maine.

He not too long ago reported psychological well being points, together with listening to voices, in accordance with the bulletin. He had additionally threatened to shoot up the Nationwide Guard base in Saco, Maine, the bulletin mentioned, and he was reported to have been dedicated to a psychological well being facility for 2 weeks this summer time.

Maine State Police mentioned shortly after 8 p.m. ET it was investigating “a number of places” and requested folks to shelter in place.

“Please keep inside your property with the doorways locked,” Maine State Police wrote on social media.

Lewiston police mentioned it responded to 2 places, a restaurant known as Schemengee and Sparetime Recreation, a bowling alley. The 2 places seem like a few 10-minute drive from one another.

Police shared photographs of a suspect and requested folks to contact them “in the event you acknowledge this particular person.”

Police additionally shared a photograph of a white automobile and requested anyone who acknowledged it to contact Lewiston police.

The Central Maine Medical Heart in Lewiston mentioned in a press release that it was “reacting to a mass casualty, mass shooter occasion,” however didn’t have additional particulars on the variety of sufferers or severity of their accidents.

The town of Auburn, Maine, which borders Lewiston to the west, suggested residents of each Auburn and Lewiston to shelter in place. Lewiston is situated about 45 minutes north of Portland. 

A White Home official confirmed to CBS Information that President Biden had been briefed on “what’s identified to this point concerning the mass capturing in Lewiston.”

The FBI can be responding, an company official advised CBS Information. 

Division of Homeland Safety Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas has additionally been briefed. 

“All the Division of Homeland Safety grieves with the family members of these killed and injured, and stands with the courageous regulation enforcement officers and first responders who’re presently working to safe and safeguard the folks of Lewiston,” Mayorkas mentioned in a press release.

Maine Gov. Janet Mills launched a press release saying she was briefed on the state of affairs. “I urge all folks within the space to comply with the course of State and native enforcement,” Mills mentioned. “I’ll proceed to observe the state of affairs and stay in shut contact with public security officers.”

The workplace of Sen. Angus King on Maine said in a statement that he was “deeply unhappy for the town of Lewiston and all these anxious about their household, buddies and neighbors.” In a later assertion, King’s workplace mentioned Mr. Biden had reached out to the senator and “provided any federal help he can present to assist the folks of Maine.

Sen. Susan Collins mentioned on social media she had additionally spoken with Mr. Biden. 

“As our state mourns this horrific mass capturing, we admire the assist we have obtained from throughout the nation, together with the decision I obtained from President Biden providing help,” she wrote.

It is a growing story and might be up to date.