In another horrific incident of gun violence, at least
22 people were killed and “many, many more” were injured in shootings in the
city of Lewiston, Maine on the evening of Wednesday, local officials reported,
with police saying that the gunman was still at large.
City Councilor Robert McCarthy told CNN that the death
toll had risen to 22 in the shooting spree that took place at a bowling alley
and also at least one other location, a local restaurant and bar, according to
media.
“My understanding is that they have a tentative
identification… of the shooter at the bowling alley, confirmed 22 dead, many,
many more injured,” said McCarthy.
Local police posted a photo of the shooter on Facebook
carrying what appeared to be a semi-automatic style weapon inside the bowling
alley.
The bearded man wore a brown top, blue pants and brown
shoes, and police asked for anyone with information on his identity to contact
them immediately.
They also released a picture of a white SUV car, and
asked for the public’s help in identifying the vehicle, saying its front bumper
may have been painted black.
Law enforcement “are investigating two active shooter
events,” the Androscoggin County Sheriff’s Department wrote on Facebook.
“We are encouraging all businesses to lock down and or
close while we investigate. The suspect is still at large.”
The White House said President Joe Biden had been
briefed on the matter.
And Maine Governor Janet Mills said she was “aware of
and have been briefed on the active shooter situation in Lewiston.”
CNN reported that at least 50 to 60 people were
injured in the incidents, citing multiple law enforcement sources, but said it
was unclear how many of the injuries were the result of gunfire.
Police and rescuers reportedly arrived at the
Sparetime Recreation bowling alley at approximately 7:15 pm local time in
response to an active shooter, and thereafter received reports of another
shooting at the Schemengees Bar & Grille, according to the Sun Journal
local newspaper.
At 8:15 pm, another shooting was reported at a local
Walmart distribution center, it said.
Maine Congressman Jared Golden wrote on X, “Like all
Mainers, I’m horrified by the events in Lewison 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,” he said.
Gun violence is alarmingly common in the United
States, a country where there are more guns than people and where attempts to
clamp down on their spread are always met with stiff resistance.
The United States has recorded over 500 mass shootings
this year, according to the Gun Violence Archive, a non-governmental
organization that defines a mass shooting as four or more people wounded or
killed.
Efforts to tighten gun controls have for years run up
against opposition from Republicans, staunch defenders of the constitutional
right to bear arms.
The political paralysis endures despite widespread
outrage over recurring shootings.
Lewiston is the second most populous city in Maine
located some 30 miles (50 kilometers) north of the largest city, Portland.
AP
