LEWISTON, Maine — At least 18 people were killed Wednesday night following shootings at multiple locations in Lewiston, Maine, forcing residents to shelter in place as a manhunt continues.
Shelter in place orders were handed down by Maine State Police for the city of Lewiston and Lisbon.
“Please stay inside your home with the doors locked,” a post on the force’s Facebook page reads.
“Stay off the streets and allow law enforcement to diffuse the situation.”
According to The Associated Press, a man opened fire at Schemengees Bar and Grille and Sparetime Recreation, killing at least 16 people and wounding dozens of others.
Police have already identified Robert R. Card, 30, of Bowdoin, Maine, as a person of interest and has been deemed armed and dangerous.
People should not approach or make contact with him, police said.
A vehicle of interest was also found in Lisbon and police have asked residents there to shelter in place as they continue to search for Card.
Gov. Janet Mills confirmed in a post on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, that she has been briefed on the situation.
“I urge all people in the area to follow the direction of State and local enforcement,” she wrote.
“I will continue to monitor the situation and remain in close contact with public safety officials.”
U.S. President Joe Biden issued a statement saying the nation is in mourning after what he called “another senseless and tragic” mass shooting.
He said he has spoken with Mills and has directed administration to provide support to the people of Maine.
Far too many Americans have now had a family member killed or injured as a result of gun violence,” said Biden.
He urged Republican lawmakers in Congress to work with Democrats to pass a bill banning assault weapons and high-capacity magazines.
Biden also called for universal background checks, safe storage of guns, and end immunity from liability for gun manufacturers.
“This is the very least we owe every American who will now bear the scars — physical and mental — of this latest attack,” he said.