A widespread manhunt was initiated on Thursday for a gunman who, according to a local official, was responsible for the deaths of at least 22 people and the injury of numerous others in mass shootings in the state of Maine, marking this year’s deadliest incident of its kind.
Authorities declared Robert Card, captured in surveillance footage entering a bowling alley in Lewiston brandishing a semi-automatic weapon with an extended clip, as “armed and dangerous.”
Citing law enforcement sources, CNN reported that Card is a certified firearms instructor and a member of the US Army Reserve.
Lewiston city councillor Robert McCarthy informed CNN that the police had confirmed 22 fatalities and a significant number of injuries, with reports of shootings at multiple locations.
As a result of the devastating gun violence, large parts of Lewiston were under lockdown, with businesses instructed to close and residents advised to seek shelter.
Mike Sauschuck, an official from Maine’s public safety department, described the situation as “very fluid” and refrained from providing a death toll, mentioning the extensive police efforts to apprehend the gunman.
President Joe Biden interrupted a state dinner honoring Australia’s prime minister to contact Maine’s governor, two senators, and a local congressman, offering federal assistance, as per the White House.
In the early hours of Thursday, armed officers were stationed at the Central Maine Medical Center, where the wounded were receiving treatment.
Several school boards and educational institutions in Maine, including Bates College, announced the suspension of classes on Thursday, according to official statements.
Reports indicated that law enforcement and rescue teams responded to the Sparetime Recreation bowling alley around 7:15 pm local time (12:15 am GMT) following reports of an active shooter. Subsequently, another shooting was reported at the Schemengees Bar & Grille, as detailed by the Sun Journal local newspaper.
Police released several photographs of 40-year-old Card inside the bowling alley, where he appeared composed, holding his rifle at the ready. They urged the public to contact law enforcement with any information on his whereabouts.
Sauschuck disclosed that officers had located a “vehicle of interest,” a white SUV, in Lisbon, a town about eight miles (12 kilometers) from Lewiston. However, reports indicated that Card was not found in the vehicle. The Androscoggin County Sheriff’s Department confirmed that they were investigating two active shooter incidents and advised all businesses to close or lock down while the suspect remained at large.
