POLICE have named Robert Card as a person of interest after an active shooter killed at least 22 people in multiple incidents in Lewiston, Maine, cops say.
Police released several photos of the suspected gunman, 40-year-old Robert Card, who is on the run in Androscoggin County, about 35 miles north of Portland.
At least 22 people were killed after the shooter targeted two locations, Schemengees Bar and Grille Restaurant as well as Sparetime Recreation center at around 7 pm local time.
Residents are asked to lock their doors and stay off the roads as first responders search for the gunman and rush victims to the hospital.
Maine State Police said: “There is an active shooter in Lewiston. We ask people to shelter in place. Please stay inside your home with the doors locked.
“Law enforcement is currently investigating at multiple locations. If you see any suspicious activity or individuals please call 911. Updates to follow.”
Card is considered armed and dangerous. Police ask anyone who sees Card to not approach him, but to call 911.
Follow our Lewiston live blog for the latest news and updates…
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Shootings began just before 7 pm
Mike Sauschuck, state commissioner for the Department of Public Safety, said at a press conference Wednesday night that the shootings started at 6:56 pm.
There were multiple locations involved in the shootings, including Schemengees Bar and Grille Restaurant as well as Sparetime Recreation center in Lewiston, Maine.
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Card remains a person of interest
Mike Sauschuck from the Maine Department of Safety said at a press conference that Robert Card remains a person of interest – and not yet a suspect.
“We have hundreds of police officers working around Maine,” Sauschuck said.
“Mr. Card is a person of interest and a person of interest only at this stage. I’m not listing him as a suspect at this point.”
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Reunification center set
Police have set a reunification center location at Auburn Middle School.
The school is located at 38 Falcon Drive in Auburn, Maine.
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Shelter in place issued for Lisbon
Police were searching for a white 2013 Subaru Outback as a vehicle of interest and it has been located in Lisbon, Maine.
Police are now asking people in Lisbon to shelter in place.
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What to know about Robert Card
Robert Card is reportedly a trained firearms instructor believed to be in the Army Reserve stationed out of Saco, Maine, according to CBS.
Police report that Card recently reported mental health issues including hearing voices and threats to shoot up the National Guard base in Saco.
It’s also reported that Card was committed to a mental health facility for two weeks this summer.
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Person of interest named
Police have named Robert Card as a person of interest in the shootings.
“Law Enforcement is attempting to locate Robert Card 4/4/1983, as a person of interest regarding the mass shooting at Schemengees Bar and Sparetime Recreation this evening,” police shared in a Facebook post.
“CARD should be considered armed and dangerous. Please contact law enforcement if you are aware of his whereabouts.”
Credit: Lewiston Maine Police Department -
‘Doing the best we can’
Lewiston City Councilor Robert McCarthy confirmed to CNN that 22 people have been killed in Lewiston, Maine.
“We are a town of about 39,000,” McCarthy said.
“Our hospitals are not geared to handle this kind of shooting event, and they’re doing the best we can.”
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People wait for news from loved ones
People outside of Central Maine Medical Center are waiting to find out what happened to their loved ones after tonight’s mass shooting in Lewiston, according to NBC affiliate WCSH.
“My ex-husband and my son were playing pool at Schemengees,” one woman told the outlet.
“We’re all waiting, and we’ve heard nothing.”
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Local hospital calls for any available staff
Central Maine Medical Center is calling in any available staff who might be off-duty to help after the deadly shootings, City Councilor Robert McCarthy told CNN.
The local armory has also been set up as a triage center.
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Police search for second vehicle
Police are searching for a white 2013 Subaru Outback, and have also put out a BOLO for a black pickup truck with a black cap.
At least 22 are dead and 30 are wounded after tonight’s multiple shootings.
It’s unclear if the black pickup truck is related to the shootings.
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Public schools closed tomorrow
Lewiston Public Schools are closed tomorrow, the district’s superintendent said.
“At this time, there will be no activity at Lewiston Schools Thursday October 26, 2023,” Superintendent Jake Langlais announced in a statement posted to the district’s website.
“There remains a lot of unknowns at this time. Information moves quickly but not always accurately. Please continue to shelter in place or get to safety.”
Langlais continued: “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. Our prayers go out to all those working to stop further loss of life. We will provide updates.”
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President Biden briefed
President Biden has been briefed on the mass shooting in Lewiston, per CNN.
He will continue to receive updates on the investigation.