Tragedy in Lewiston: 22 Dead, Dozens Wounded; City on Lockdown as Police Launch Manhunt, Imposing Shelter-in-Place Order

Updated at: October 26th 12:42AM

Surveillance footage of the shooter

Lewiston, Maine, was rocked by a horrifying mass shooting incident on the evening of October 25, leaving 22 people dead and dozens more injured. The gunman, whose identity remains unknown, opened fire at multiple locations across the city, including Schemengees Bar and Grille Restaurant, a Walmart store, and Sparetime Recreation, a bowling alley. Law enforcement sources have confirmed the grim death toll, emphasizing the devastating impact of the event on the community.

Police response in Lewiston Maine to active shooter

In response to the grave threat posed by the unidentified gunman, authorities swiftly issued a shelter-in-place order, urging residents in both Lewiston and Auburn to remain indoors, lock their doors, and stay away from windows. This precautionary measure was implemented to ensure the safety of the community, minimizing the risk of further harm amid the ongoing crisis. Meanwhile, law enforcement agencies launched an intensive manhunt, deploying significant resources and personnel to locate and apprehend the suspect swiftly. Armed with photographs and information about the suspect's appearance, authorities are working tirelessly, combing the area, and employing sophisticated techniques to track down the individual responsible for the horrific mass shooting. The community, gripped by fear and uncertainty, anxiously awaits updates, hoping for a swift resolution and an end to the threat looming over their city.

Shooters Truck

What We Know So Far:

• Incident: On the evening of October 25, 2023, an active shooter opened fire at multiple locations in Lewiston, Maine, including Schemengees Bar and Grille Restaurant, a Walmart store, and Sparetime Recreation, a bowling alley.
• Casualties: At least 22 people have been killed, and 50 to 60 others have been injured. These numbers are preliminary and subject to change as the situation unfolds.
• Law Enforcement Response: Law enforcement agencies, including the Lewiston Police Department, Androscoggin County Sheriff's Office, Maine State Police, and the FBI, have initiated a manhunt for the suspect. Police have released photos of the suspect and a vehicle of interest.
• Shelter-in-Place Order: Authorities have issued a shelter-in-place order for residents in Lewiston and Auburn, urging them to stay inside their homes with doors locked. Businesses have been encouraged to close or lock down.
• Presidential Briefing: President Joe Biden has been briefed on the situation and is receiving updates.
• Suspect: Police named Robert Card, 40, as a person of interest in connection with the shootings at Schemengees Bar and Sparetime Recreation.

Details of the Incident:

• Active Shooter Unleashes Carnage: An armed man targeted several locations in Lewiston, firing indiscriminately at innocent people. The shooting occurred at Schemengees Bar and Grille Restaurant, a Walmart store, and Sparetime Recreation, causing panic and chaos among the residents.
• High Number of Casualties: At least 22 people lost their lives in the shooting spree, with an additional 50 to 60 individuals sustaining injuries. Law enforcement officials swiftly responded to the scene, attempting to manage the mass casualty situation and providing medical assistance to the wounded.
• Shelter-in-Place Orders Issued: In the wake of the ongoing threat, officials urged residents in both Lewiston and Auburn to stay indoors and lock their doors. Businesses were instructed to close or secure their premises, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.
• Law Enforcement Response: The Androscoggin County Sheriff's Office released photos of the suspected shooter, describing the individual as armed and dangerous. A manhunt was initiated to locate and apprehend the suspect. The FBI, along with local law enforcement, mobilized resources to support the investigation. New Hampshire police set up roadblocks in an effort to confine the suspect if they attempted to flee.
• National Response: President Joe Biden was briefed on the unfolding tragedy, receiving updates on the situation. The White House confirmed that the President will continue to monitor the incident closely.
• Community in Shock: The residents of Lewiston were left in a state of shock and mourning as the magnitude of the tragedy became apparent. Emergency services and medical professionals worked tirelessly to treat the injured and offer support to the affected families.

Timeline of Events (EST Time Zone):

• 8:00 PM: The shooting incidents begin at multiple locations in Lewiston, including a bar, a Walmart store, and a bowling alley.
• 8:26 PM: Police release an image of the suspect's vehicle in the shooting investigation.
• 8:30 PM: President Biden is briefed on the active shooting incident in Lewiston, Maine.
• 10:36 PM: The Lewiston Police Department issues a shelter-in-place order for the city. Residents are urged to stay inside with doors locked. The FBI deploys aviation units to assist in the search for the suspect. New Hampshire police set up roadblocks to confine the suspect if they are on the run.
• 10:50 PM: Maine's Public Safety Commissioner, Michael Sauschuck, confirms multiple casualties in the Lewiston shootings but refrains from disclosing an exact number. He describes the situation as fluid, emphasizing the ongoing search for the gunman. Hundreds of police officers are engaged in the case, and a person of interest, Robert Card, is actively being sought, although he is not officially labeled as a suspect.
• 10:58 PM: Contrary to early reports, there was no shooting at the Walmart distribution center in Lewiston. Although the facility was locked down, police found no suspects or victims inside. Walmart representatives confirm that no one was hurt on their premises.
• 11:19 PM: The person of interest connected to the shootings, Robert Card, studied engineering at the University of Maine roughly two decades ago. While specific details about his academic tenure remain unclear, he is now sought by authorities in relation to the incident.
• 11:25 PM: A reunification center is established at Auburn Middle School for families seeking information about their loved ones. Witnesses from the affected locations are taken there for interviews and support. Mayor Jason Levesque states that witnesses of all ages, including teenagers, were present at the scenes.
• 12:00 AM: In response to the ongoing manhunt, all municipal buildings in Lewiston are closed on Thursday. Schools remain shut, and non-emergency personnel are advised to stay home. The city remains under lockdown following the tragic events.
• 12:26 AM: Conflicting reports emerge regarding the number of casualties, with law enforcement sources estimating between 15 to 20 deaths, while earlier sources had cited 22 fatalities. Fifty people were reported injured, with some sustaining injuries in a stampede during the chaos.

Police respond to active shooter

Please note that the situation is ongoing, and additional updates are expected as law enforcement continues its investigation. As investigations continue, the city of Lewiston remains in a state of high alert. Law enforcement agencies are actively engaged in efforts to identify, locate, and apprehend the gunman, providing some measure of hope to a community grappling with an unimaginable loss. The nation watches, deeply saddened by yet another senseless act of violence, as the search for answers and justice begins in Lewiston, Maine.