US: At Least 22 Dead In Maine Shooting, Dozens Injured As Gunman Goes On Rampage

A man opened fire at a bowling alley and a bar in Lewiston, Maine, on Wednesday night, killing at least 22 people and engulfing the state's second-largest city in chaos. Authorities remained in pursuit of the suspect while urging residents and business owners to remain indoors and off the streets.

According to two unnamed law enforcement sources who spoke to The Associated Press, numerous individuals were also injured, but due to the ongoing investigation, they couldn't disclose more details.

Earlier, the Lewiston Police had posted on Facebook about an active shooter situation at Schemengees Bar and Grille and Sparetime Recreation, a bowling alley located approximately 4 miles away. The Androscoggin County Sheriff's Office shared two photos of the suspect on its Facebook page, showing the armed individual entering an establishment.

"Please stay off the roads to allow emergency responders access to the hospitals," police said.

🚨Developing: one person has been arrested in connection to the mass shooting in Lewiston Maine that left 22 dead and over 60 injured. #massshooting #maine #lewiston #terroristattack pic.twitter.com/QIauZfA2Zx

— BROKEN DOOR (@brokenDoor09) October 26, 2023

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On its website, the Central Maine Medical Center reported that its staff was responding to a mass casualty incident involving a mass shooter and was coordinating with neighboring hospitals to receive patients. The emergency department staff declined to provide further information and confirmed that the hospital was on lockdown.

Melinda Small, owner of Legends Sports Bar and Grill, recounted how her team swiftly secured their doors and moved all 25 customers and employees away from entrances when they heard about the nearby shooting at the bowling alley around 7 p.m. Police later guided everyone out of the building, ensuring their safety.

"I am honestly in a state of shock. I am blessed that my team responded quickly and everyone is safe," Small told The Associated Press. "But the same time, my heart is broken for this area and for what everyone is dealing with. I just feel numb." The alert for Lewiston was made shortly after 8 p.m. as the sheriff's office reported that law enforcement agencies were investigating "two active shooter events." Officials issued an update around 10 p.m. for what they described as a manhunt.

''Avoid the area until authorities give the all-clear," the statement said. "Seek alternative routes to circumvent the area and any disruptions. If already operating in the affected region, adhere to all instructions issued by local officials, including the shelter-in-place order." "We are encouraging all businesses to lock down and or close while we investigate," the sheriff's office reported.

A spokesperson for Maine Department of Public Safety urged residents to stay in their homes with their doors locked.

"Law enforcement is currently investigating at two locations right now,'' Shannon Moss said. ''Again please stay off the streets and allow law enforcement to diffuse the situation." Gov. Janet Mills released a statement echoing those instructions. She said she has been briefed on the situation and will remain in close contact with public safety officials. The White House said President Joe Biden also had been briefed.

Lewiston, situated about 35 miles north of Portland, has evolved into a significant hub for African immigration to Maine, notably with a substantial Somali population, transforming the city's demographic landscape into one of the most diverse in northern New England.

Ange Amores, a city of Lewiston spokesperson, declined to comment on the incident, while the Maine State Police planned to hold a news conference, likely at city hall, to provide updates to the public on Wednesday night.

Maine Senator Angus King, an independent, expressed his deep sadness for the city of Lewiston and all those concerned about their loved ones and neighbors. He indicated that he was closely monitoring the situation and planned to return to Maine following the Senate's final vote on Thursday afternoon.