In a heart-wrenching turn of events, the city of Lewiston, Maine, was struck by a devastating mass shooting that tragically claimed the lives of at least 22 people and left 50 to 60 others with various degrees of injuries. This unfortunate incident took place on a Wednesday and was reported by Reuters, with confirmation from NBC News. The local community is deeply saddened and in mourning following this terrible tragedy.
The chain of events that led to this horrifying incident began with alerts from the Maine State Police and a county sheriff, who notified the public about an active shooter in Lewiston on that fateful Wednesday night. However, they did not initially disclose specific details, leaving the community in a state of apprehension and uncertainty.
As law enforcement agencies diligently worked to investigate the situation at multiple locations within Lewiston, one individual emerged as a person of interest. This person was identified by the police as Robert Card. The urgency of the situation was underscored by Maine Department of Public Safety Commissioner, Michael J Sauschuck, who urged the public to consider Robert Card, a 40-year-old male, as armed and dangerous.
The search for Robert Card extended beyond Lewiston, as his presence was traced to a vehicle located in the town of Lisbon, Maine. Authorities initiated inquiries with residents in Lisbon as part of their relentless pursuit of this person of interest.
The substantial response to this crisis became evident when Public Safety Commissioner Michael J Sauschuck mentioned that hundreds of police officers were deployed across the state of Maine to investigate the case, with the sole aim of locating Robert Card. It is vital to emphasize that Robert Card is considered a person of interest at this stage, and the ongoing investigation is aimed at gathering essential information to ensure the suspect is brought to justice and prosecuted in the future.
In an effort to engage the community and seek assistance, the Androscoggin County Sheriff's Office shared two photos of the suspect on their Facebook page. These images depicted a bearded individual clad in a long-sleeved shirt and jeans, holding a rifle in a firing position, further underlining the seriousness of the situation and the need for public cooperation.
Moreover, the Central Maine Medical Center in Lewiston issued a statement acknowledging the gravity of the incident, describing it as a "mass casualty, mass shooter event." They confirmed their collaboration with area hospitals to provide care for the individuals affected by this tragedy.
Lewiston, situated in Androscoggin County, is located approximately 35 miles north of Maine's largest city, Portland. The impact of this incident reverberated far and wide, prompting a response from the highest levels of government. US President Joe Biden has been briefed on the mass shooting in Lewiston, Maine, and will continue to receive updates, as confirmed by a US official.
This tragic event has deeply shaken the community, and as the investigation unfolds, it remains a critical point of focus for both local and national authorities. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims and their families affected by this devastating incident. Please stay tuned for the latest updates on this ongoing and evolving story.
Tags:
Global News