At least 22 people were killed and several others were injured in a mass shooting in Lewiston, Maine, on Wednesday night, according to local media outlets.
The destructive incident unfolded at various locations including SpareTime Recreation, Schemenzie’s Bar & Grill restaurant, and a Walmart distribution center.
Local authorities responded quickly to the emerging serious situation. Maine State Police and the Androscoggin County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the presence of an active shooter and issued immediate safety instructions. He urged residents to stay indoors, lock their doors and remain vigilant.
The Androscoggin County Sheriff’s Office also posted photos of a suspect believed to be connected to the shooting. They asked for the public’s help in identifying the man, described as a bearded man wearing a long-sleeved shirt and jeans, carrying a rifle.
Central Maine Medical Center in Lewiston declared the incident a “mass casualty, mass shooting incident” and is working with neighboring hospitals to provide care to the injured.
President Joe Biden has been briefed on the situation and is receiving regular updates from Washington.
Maine Governor Janet Mills expressed condolences to the victims and their families and confirmed that she had been briefed on the situation.
According to the Gun Violence Archive, the tragic incident is the deadliest mass shooting in the United States since May 2022, when a gunman opened fire at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas, resulting in the deaths of 19 children and two teachers. .
It is worth noting that the United States has seen an increase in mass shootings with four or more victims since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. In 2022, there were 647 such events, and it is estimated that there could be 679 events in 2023. Based on data trends through July, according to the Gun Violence Archive.
The deadliest mass shooting in US history is the tragic massacre of 58 people during a country music festival in Las Vegas in 2017 when a gunman opened fire from a high-rise hotel room.
