A gunman killed and injured several people in the city of Lewiston, Maine. According to police, there are several victims, but they did not give any numbers. The suspected perpetrator is on the run.
We know this:
Crime scenes and timing
The incident occurred in Lewiston, Maine, on Wednesday evening (local time). The community has almost 40,000 residents and is located about 200 north of Boston. The first emergency calls were received at 6:56 p.m. local time. Two crime scenes have been identified so far: a leisure center with bowling alleys and a barbecue restaurant.
Suspected perpetrator
The fleeing shooter is a 40-year-old man. Surveillance cameras showed him with an assault rifle. There is information indicating that the man was trained as a firearms instructor by the military and was reportedly receiving psychiatric treatment last summer.
Authorities and security measures
A major manhunt was launched, including roadblocks and the use of helicopters. Hundreds of police officers are on duty. The population was asked to stay in their homes. Schools should remain closed on Thursday.
Reactions from politics
Various local officials, including City Councilman Robert McCarthy, the mayors of Lewiston and the neighboring city of Auburn, and US President Joe Biden have expressed dismay. Biden pledged full support to the state of Maine. Governor Janet Mills appealed to residents to follow safety instructions.
What we don’t know
Dead and injured
The police speak of “several” victims without giving exact numbers. US media reported up to 22 dead and dozens injured, citing the Androscoggin County Sheriff’s Office and a city councilman. However, there is no official confirmation.
The shooter
The perpetrator is on the run. Although his identity has been revealed, many details about his past and whereabouts are still unknown. The police found the man’s car about ten kilometers from Lewiston.
Reason
The police have not yet provided any information about this.
