In response to reports of an active shooter at various locations, Maine State Police advised residents to stay in their current locations and seek shelter.
The chaos in Lewiston, Maine, commenced at approximately 7 pm (00:00 GMT) with the first of a series of at least three shooting incidents. As per the Lewiston Sun Journal, a minimum of 22 casualties were confirmed.
Maine Department of Public Safety Commissioner Mike Sauschuck announced at a news conference on Wednesday evening that a manhunt involving a large number of law enforcement officers was in progress.
Initial calls to the police reported a shooter at a bowling alley.
Shortly thereafter, another shooting incident occurred at a nearby bar and grill.
Lewiston Councilor Robert McCarthy informed CNN that a children’s event was taking place at the bowling alley when the violence unfolded.
Following reports of an active shooter in multiple locations, Maine State Police advised residents to stay in their current locations.
“Please stay inside your home with the doors locked,” they wrote on social media.
“Law enforcement is currently investigating at two locations right now. Again please stay off the streets and allow law enforcement to diffuse the situation.”
A third shooting incident was documented at a Walmart Distribution Centre shortly past 8 pm.
The Androscoggin County Sheriff’s Office shared an online image of an individual wielding an assault rifle, dressed in cargo pants, and brandishing a weapon.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives in Boston was aiding in the response, while local law enforcement identified a 40-year-old man as a figure of interest in the mass shooting.
During the news conference held on Wednesday evening, Sauschuck refrained from categorizing him as a suspect or divulging any specifics about the individual.