At least 22 people are dead and 50-60 more were injured in a mass shooting at two businesses in Lewiston, Maine, according to NBC News.
The Androscoggin County Sheriff’s Office said around 8 p.m. that a suspect was at large, sharing a photo of a gunman walking into an establishment with a weapon raised to his shoulder.
“Please stay off the roads to allow emergency responders access to the hospitals,” police said.
Police believe they know who the shooting suspect is and what vehicle he is driving, according to NBC News chief justice contributor Jonathan Dienst. He said the suspect might have a past criminal record, but there is no word yet on a motive.
“This is a very active and dynamic situation. The image of at least one active killer has been released by police. He is armed with a tactical rifle,” Jim Cavanaugh, an NBC News law enforcement contributor and a former special agent in the ATF, said in a text message.
“Law Enforcement is now swarming the area attempting to locate, isolate and eliminate the active killer or killers,” he said.
Lewiston police Lt. Derrick St. Laurent told NBC affiliate News Center Maine that the shootings occurred at Sparetime Recreation, a bowling alley, and Schemengees Bar and Grille, a restaurant.
There were no initial signs of terrorism.
Central Maine Medical Center said it was “reacting to a mass casualty, mass shooter event,” adding that there are “no specifics to share on the number of casualties.” A woman who answered the phone in the emergency department said no further information could be released and that the hospital itself was on lockdown.
Melinda Small, the owner of Legends Sports Bar and Grill, said her staff immediately locked their doors and moved all 25 customers and employees away from the doors after a customer reported hearing about the shooting at the bowling alley less than a quarter-mile away around 7 p.m. Soon, the police flooded the roadway and a police officer eventually escorted everyone out of the building four at a time. Everyone in the bar is safe.
“I am honestly in a state of shock. I am blessed that my team responded quickly and everyone is safe,” Small told The Associated Press. “But the same time, my heart is broken for this area and for what everyone is dealing with. I just feel numb.”
Ange Amores, a spokesperson for the city of Lewiston, said city officials are not commenting on the shooting. Amores said Maine State Police were planning to hold a news conference, likely at city hall, to update the public on Wednesday night.
Mayor Jason Levesque, the mayor of nearby Auburn, urged people in his city, Lewiston and the surrounding region to shelter in place.
“We have everybody on board right now, from state, local and federal officials working on this,” he told NBC News in a phone interview.
The alert for Lewiston was made shortly after 8 p.m. as the sheriff’s office reported that law enforcement agencies were investigating “two active shooter events.” Officials issued an update around 10 p.m. for what they described as a manhunt.
“Avoid the area until authorities give the all-clear,” the statement said. “Seek alternative routes to circumvent the area and any disruptions. If already operating in the affected region, adhere to all instructions issued by local officials, including the shelter-in-place order.”
“We are encouraging all businesses to lock down and or close while we investigate,” the sheriff’s office reported.
A spokesperson for Maine Department of Public Safety urged residents to stay in their homes with their doors locked.
“Law enforcement is currently investigating at two locations right now,” Shannon Moss said. “Again please stay off the streets and allow law enforcement to diffuse the situation.”
Anyone who sees “any suspicious activity or individuals” is asked to call 911.
Police also released a photo of a vehicle they are looking for in the shooting investigation.
“I am aware of and have been briefed on the active shooter situation in Lewiston,” Gov. Janet Mills said in a statement. “I urge all people in the area to follow the direction of State and local enforcement. I will to continue to monitor the situation and remain in close contact with public safety officials.”
Sen. Angus King also issued a statement on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, saying he is “deeply sad” for the city of Lewiston.
Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey also issued a statement on X.
President Joe Biden has been briefed on what is known so far about the mass shooting and will continue to receive updates, according to a senior White House official.
U.S. Attorney Merrick Garland has also been briefed on the situation and is following the latest developments.
“The Attorney General has been briefed and will continue to closely monitor the situation. Federal law enforcement agencies are assisting our state and local law enforcement partners in Lewiston, Maine,” spokesperson Xochitl Hinojosa told NBC News.
The federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives Boston office said it is also responding to the active shooter event in Maine.
Bates College, which is located in Lewiston, is currently on lockdown, according to a campus spokesperson.
Public schools in Lewiston will be closed on Thursday, the district’s superintendent said in a message on the school district website.
“There remains a lot of unknowns at this time. Information moves quickly but not alway accurately,” Jake Langlais, the superintendent, said in a message on the district’s website. “Please continue to shelter in place or get to safety. 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,” he added.
Lewiston, a city of about 38,000 people, is located in south-central Maine, about 35 miles north of Portland on Interstate 95.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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