OAN’s Abril Elfi and Sophia Flores
UPDATED 9:57 AM – Thursday, October 26, 2023
Dozens of fatalities have been reported in Lewiston, Maine as a gunman is on the loose. Thousands of residents living in Maine are in lockdown.
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Maine Governor Janet Mills (D-Maine) announced during a press conference on Thursday morning, that at least 18 people were killed during the mass shooting. Additionally, 13 are injured. Three of those injured are in critical condition.
Police have identified Robert Card as the prime suspect. The 40-year-old retired military officer was a Sgt. 1st Class petroleum supply specialist in the Army Reserve. He is a trained firearms instructor.
Police announced that Card has a history of mental illness. Over the summer, he spent two weeks in a mental health facility after he allegedly threatened to shoot a National Guard base. Card also reported hearing voices in his head.
Card is on the loose and is considered “armed and dangerous.”
On Wednesday evening, Card went to Schemengees Bar and Grill where he killed eight people. The 40-year-old then went nearby to Just-In-Time Recreation bowling alley where he killed seven. Three people died while being transported to the hospital.
Locals were first notified of the shooting by the Maine State Police Department after officials sent a warning to people living in Maine’s second largest city to stay inside in response to an active shooter.
Androscoggin County Sheriff’s Office posted on their social media platforms notifying the public that authorities in Maine were investigating two active shooter events.
“We are encouraging all businesses to lock down and or close while we investigate,” the sheriff’s office said.
The city of Lewiston issued a shelter-in-place, which is still ongoing. Additionally, all schools canceled class for Thursday.
“Please stay off the streets and allow law enforcement to diffuse the situation. If you see any suspicious activity or individuals please call 911,” officials warned.
A text was also sent out by Lewiston Public Schools asking anyone near or at the schools for conferences to get to a safe area.
Mills released a statement on X, the platform formally known as Twitter, telling people she was aware of the incident and to follow the directions of authorities.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
Update: 6:32 PM: The number of fatalities has been added.
Update: 9:57 AM: The number of fatalities has been updated. Information including the suspects name and information has been added.
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