At least 22 people are dead and 50-60 more were injured in a mass shooting at two businesses in Lewiston, Maine, according to NBC News.
The Androscoggin County Sheriff’s Office said around 8 p.m. that a suspect is at large, sharing a photo of an armed man in what appeared to be a place of business.
“This is a very active and dynamic situation. The image of at least one active killer has been released by police. He is armed with a tactical rifle,” Jim Cavanaugh, an NBC News law enforcement contributor and a former special agent in the ATF, said in a text message.
“Law Enforcement is now swarming the area attempting to locate, isolate and eliminate the active killer or killers,” he said.
Lt. Derrick St. Laurent told NBC affiliate News Center Maine that the shootings occurred at Sparetime Recreation, a bowling alley, and Schemengees, a restaurant. Multiple people were reportedly injured, according to Laurent.
There were no initial signs of terrorism.
Central Maine Healthcare says it is “reacting to a mass casualty, mass shooter event,” adding that there are “no specifics to share on the number of casualties.”
Maine State Police asked people in Lewiston to shelter in place, confirming an active shooter situation in the city and adding that two locations are being investigated.
Anyone who sees “any suspicious activity or individuals” is asked to call 911.
“We are encouraging all businesses to lock down or close while we investigate,” the sheriff’s office said.
Police also released a photo of a vehicle they are looking for in the shooting investigation.
“I am aware of and have been briefed on the active shooter situation in Lewiston,” Gov. Janet Mills said in a statement. “I urge all people in the area to follow the direction of State and local enforcement. I will to continue to monitor the situation and remain in close contact with public safety officials.”
Sen. Angus King also issued a statement on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter.
NBC News said the suspect might have a past criminal record, but there is no word yet on a motive.
President Joe Biden has been briefed on what is known so far about the mass shooting and will continue to receive updates, according to a senior White House official.
The federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives Boston office said it is also responding to the active shooter event in Maine.
Public schools in Lewiston will be closed on Thursday, the district’s superintendent said in a message on the school district website.
“There remains a lot of unknowns at this time. Information moves quickly but not always accurately,” Jake Langlais, the superintendent, said in a message on the district’s website. “Please continue to shelter in place or get to safety. We will continue to update you with information and next steps as appropriate.”
“Stay close to your loved ones. Embrace them. Our prayers go out to those who lost someone tonight,” he added.
Lewiston, a city of about 38,000 people, is located in south-central Maine, about 35 miles north of Portland on Interstate 95.
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