In a horrifying turn of events, a series of shootings in the state of Maine has left at least 22 people dead and another 50 injured, according to an NBC News report that cited officials. The incident unfolded on Wednesday, shocking the nation and prompting emergency response teams to address a “mass casualty” situation.
Reports indicated that the number of injured ranged from 50 to 60 individuals, as the shooting incidents were reported at multiple locations across the state. The Central Maine Medical Center in Lewiston released a statement describing the incident as a “mass casualty, mass shooter event” but refrained from providing specific casualty numbers.
Local authorities swiftly urged citizens in Lewiston and Auburn to take shelter as the situation unfolded. The Lewiston Police Department took to social media, sharing images of the armed suspect and urging the public’s assistance in identifying the individual. Their Facebook post read, “Please contact the Lewiston Police at 513-3001 ext.. 3327 if you recognize this vehicle. It is believed that the front bumper may be painted black.”
The suspect remains at large, adding to the urgency of the ongoing investigation.
Multiple images from security cameras were released by local authorities, revealing the armed individual carrying an AR rifle as he embarked on the shooting spree in Lewiston.
President Biden has been briefed on the unfolding tragedy and will continue to receive updates from the White House.
Lewiston, the second-largest city in Maine, is located between Augusta, the state’s capital, and Portland, the most populous city in the state. The U.S. Census Bureau notes that roughly 40,000 people reside in Lewiston.
Maine Congressman Jared Golden, taking to the social platform X (formerly known as Twitter), expressed his horror at the events in his hometown, Lewiston. He said, “Like all Mainers, I’m horrified by the events in Lewiston tonight. This is my hometown. Right now, all of us are looking to local law enforcement as they gain control of the situation and gather information. Our hearts break for those who are affected.”
The United States, awash in firearms, has faced over 500 mass shootings this year, according to the Gun Violence Archive, a non-governmental organization that defines a mass shooting as an incident where four or more people are wounded or killed. Efforts to tighten gun control measures have been stymied for years, largely due to opposition from Republicans who staunchly defend the constitutional right to bear arms. Despite widespread outrage over recurring mass shootings, the political paralysis continues.
