Fatal Shooting in Maine Leaves At Least 16 Dead and Multiple Injuries, According to Authorities

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In a violent episode that sent shockwaves through Lewiston, Maine’s second-largest city, a gunman opened fire in a bowling alley and a bar on Wednesday evening, resulting in a minimum of 16 confirmed fatalities. The assailant remains at large, prompting law enforcement to instruct citizens and business proprietors to remain indoors and avoid public spaces.

Two officials from law enforcement agencies, speaking to The Big Big News on the condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the ongoing inquiry, confirmed that several dozen individuals have also sustained injuries.

An earlier statement from Lewiston Police revealed that they were responding to an active shooter situation at two locations: Schemengees Bar and Grille and Sparetime Recreation, a bowling alley situated roughly 4 miles (6.4 kilometers) apart. The Androscoggin County Sheriff’s Office disseminated two images of the suspected shooter entering a venue with a firearm poised at shoulder level.

The police advised the public to steer clear of roadways to facilitate the movement of emergency services to medical facilities. Central Maine Medical Center issued a statement on their website indicating that they were dealing with “a mass casualty, mass shooter event” and were coordinating with other local hospitals to admit patients. The hospital also confirmed that it was under lockdown, releasing no additional information at this time.

Melinda Small, proprietor of Legends Sports Bar and Grill, recounted that her establishment immediately initiated lockdown protocols, moving 25 patrons and employees away from the entrance, after receiving news of the nearby shooting around 7 p.m. Law enforcement later arrived and securely escorted individuals out of the premises in groups of four. Small stated that everyone in her establishment was unharmed.

“I remain in a state of disbelief,” Small told The Big Big News. “While I am thankful that swift action was taken to ensure the safety of everyone in my establishment, my heart aches for the community and for those grappling with this devastating event.”

An advisory was issued for Lewiston shortly after 8 p.m., with law enforcement entities confirming that they were probing “two active shooter incidents.” A subsequent update around 10 p.m. outlined that a manhunt was underway.

The issued statement urged people to “avoid the area until further notice from authorities,” and to “comply with all directives issued by local officials, including the shelter-in-place mandate.”

The Maine Department of Public Safety also recommended that businesses either lock down or close their operations during the ongoing investigation. Spokesperson Shannon Moss advised residents to remain indoors and allow law enforcement personnel to manage the volatile situation.

Governor Janet Mills corroborated these directives in a separate statement, revealing that she had been briefed and was maintaining ongoing communication with public safety officials. President Joe Biden also reached out to Governor Mills and other Maine representatives, pledging “complete federal support” following the tragic incident, according to a White House release.

Local educational institutions will remain closed on Thursday, said Superintendent Jake Langlais, urging people to “stay close to your family members. Hold them tightly.”

Lewiston, situated about 35 miles (56 kilometers) north of Portland, has become a significant hub for African immigration into Maine, notably from Somalia. This influx has transformed the city into one of northern New England’s most diverse communities.

Ange Amores, a representative for the city of Lewiston, stated that no official comments on the shooting would be provided at this time. A press conference, likely to be held at city hall, is anticipated to update the public.

Senator Angus King of Maine, an independent, expressed profound sorrow for the people of Lewiston and those concerned for their friends, relatives, and neighbors. His office disclosed that the Senator plans to return to Maine as soon as possible.

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More about Maine Shooting

• Lewiston Police Department Official Statement
• Central Maine Medical Center Updates
• Androscoggin County Sheriff’s Office Facebook Page
• Statement from Governor Janet Mills
• White House Official Release
• Maine Department of Public Safety Announcement
• Press Conference Information
• Statement from Senator Angus King