Maine State Police Order Shelter-in-Place Amid Two Active Shooter Incidents
| Scanner audio captures the chaos that ensued when a shooter opened fire in Lewiston, Maine. (Source: BROADCASTIFY/ANDROSCOGGIN COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE/CNN) |
Lewiston, Maine - On Wednesday night, Maine residents were plunged into fear and uncertainty as state police issued a shelter-in-place order due to reports of "two active shooter events." The harrowing situation unfolded in Lewiston, Maine, as law enforcement agencies rushed to investigate these alarming incidents.
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| Police confirmed in a Facebook post that Robert Card was a person of interest in the shooting and said he should be considered armed and dangerous.(LEWISTON POLICE DEPARTMENT) |
The alert was sounded shortly after 8 p.m., with the Androscoggin County Sheriff's Office taking the lead in coordinating the response. Businesses in the area were urgently advised to lock down or close their doors as law enforcement initiated their investigations.
Shannon Moss, a spokesperson for the Maine Department of Public Safety, urged residents to stay safely within their homes, keeping doors locked and windows secured. She revealed, "Law enforcement is currently investigating at two locations right now. Again, please stay off the streets and allow law enforcement to diffuse the situation."
The situation became more chilling as a photo of an armed suspect was released by the Androscoggin County Sheriff's Office. The suspect, a white-presenting man, was seen holding a black automatic rifle, further heightening concerns about the unfolding events.
Governor Janet Mills expressed her concerns and solidarity with the residents, echoing the instructions for the public's safety. She emphasized that she had been briefed on the ongoing situation and would maintain close contact with public safety officials.
Reports indicate that police, fire, and rescue personnel converged on Sparetime Recreation. Before additional information was received, another incident was reported at a local bar and grill, compounding the anxiety among residents.
Kathy Lebel, co-owner of Schemengees, recounted a horrifying incident where a person walked into the restaurant and began shooting. Terrified staff fled the scene. Lebel expressed her disbelief, saying, "It was just a fun night playing cornhole ... it's the last thing you're expecting, right? I still feel like this whole thing is a nightmare."
Outside the Central Maine Medical Center, about two dozen people anxiously sought information about the well-being of their friends and family. One man expressed his worry as a friend who had gone to Schemengees for cornhole night was unresponsive to calls.
In response to the unfolding crisis, President Joe Biden has been briefed and will continue to receive updates. The White House announced that President Biden spoke with the Governor of Maine, offering full federal support to the state in their efforts to manage and respond to this critical situation.
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