Finance
Washington, United States:Local officials reported that a gunman killed at least 22 people and injured “many, many more” in shootings in the city of Lewiston, Maine on Wednesday evening. Police stated that the gunman was still at large.
City Councilor Robert McCarthy told CNN that the death toll had risen to 22 in the shooting spree that took place at a bowling alley and also at least one other location, a local restaurant and bar, according to media.
“My understanding is that they have a tentative identification… of the shooter at the bowling alley, confirmed 22 dead, many, many more injured,” McCarthy said.
Local police posted a photo of the shooter on Facebook carrying what appeared to be a semi-automatic style weapon inside the bowling alley.
The bearded man wore a brown top, blue pants and brown shoes, and police asked for anyone with information on his identity to contact them immediately.
They additionally published a picture of a white SUV car and urged the public to assist in identifying the vehicle, noting that its front bumper might have undergone black painting.
Law enforcement “are investigating two active shooter events,” the Androscoggin County Sheriff’s Department wrote on Facebook.
“We are encouraging all businesses to lock down and or close while we investigate. The suspect is still at large.”
The White House confirmed that President Joe Biden received a briefing on the matter.
Maine Governor Janet Mills stated that she “is aware of and has received a briefing on the active shooter situation in Lewiston.”
CNN, citing multiple law enforcement sources, reported that at least 50 to 60 people sustained injuries in the incidents. However, it remains unclear how many of these injuries gunfire directly caused.
Police and rescuers reportedly arrived at the Sparetime Recreation bowling alley at approximately 7:15 pm local time in response to an active shooter, and thereafter received reports of another shooting at the Schemengees Bar & Grille, according to the Sun Journal local newspaper.
At 8:15 pm, someone reported another shooting at a local Walmart distribution center.
‘My hometown’
Maine Congressman Jared Golden wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter that “like all Mainers, I’m horrified by the events in Lewison tonight. This is my hometown.”
“Right now, all of us are looking to local law enforcement as they gain control of the situation and gather information. Our hearts break for those who are affected,” he said.
The United States, a country with more guns than people, faces alarmingly frequent incidents of gun violence. Efforts to curb their proliferation are consistently met with strong opposition.
The United States has recorded over 500 mass shootings this year, according to the Gun Violence Archive, a non-governmental organization that defines a mass shooting as four or more people wounded or killed.
Efforts to tighten gun controls have for years run up against opposition from Republicans, staunch defenders of the constitutional right to bear arms.
The political paralysis endures despite widespread outrage over recurring shootings.
Lewiston is the second most populous city in Maine located some 30 miles (50 kilometers) north of the largest city, Portland.
