LEWISTON, Maine — Communities across Maine are grappling with tragedy as police continue their investigation into a mass shooting event Wednesday night in the Lewiston area.
At least 18 people were killed and 13 injured in the shooting between Sparetime Recreation and Schemengees Bar and Grille Restaurant.
Lewiston police say they are attempting to locate 40-year-old Robert Card, of Bowdoin, as a person of interest. He is considered armed and dangerous.
A vehicle of interest was located in Lisbon as of midnight Thursday, according to a Facebook post made by the Maine State Police. A shelter-in-place has been issued for Androscoggin County as law enforcement works to locate those responsible for the incident.
Political leaders and community members are now sharing their thoughts.
Schemengees Bar and Grille Restaurant:
Congressman Jared Golden, D-Maine:
Congresswoman Chellie Pingree, D-Maine:
Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine:
Sen. Angus King, I-Maine:
“Senator King is deeply sad for the city of Lewiston and all those worried about their family, friends and neighbors. He’s receiving regular updates and awaits further details from local authorities, and will be headed directly home to Maine once the Senate’s final vote is held tomorrow afternoon. Given the shelter in place currently underway, he asks all in Androscoggin County to allow first responders to address the threat, stay indoors and report any suspicious behavior to the local authorities.”
A spokesperson for Sen. King said the senator will soon be making his way back to Maine.
“President Biden just reached out to Senator King directly and offered any federal assistance he can provide to help the people of Maine. Senator King expressed his deep appreciation to the President for the outreach and support. Given the horrific nature of the events in Maine, Senator King will now be headed to Maine on one of the first flights available – he wants to be home to support Lewiston in any way he can."
District 94 Rep. Kristen Cloutier:
"My heart grieves deeply for my community and for those who were injured or are mourning the loss of loved ones in this senseless and preventable tragedy.
I am extremely grateful to the Lewiston Police Department and all emergency personnel who answered our call to help keep us safe.
To have this happen in my hometown is surreal and heartbreaking, and it strengthens my own resolve to do whatever I can to help prevent it from happening again in another community.
We must do more to keep ourselves, our families, our friends and our neighbors safe, and we must do so through bold action. Words are not enough. They never have been."
Rep. Dan Ankeles, D-Brunswick:
Rep. Adam Lee, D-Auburn:
Sen. Matt Harrington, R-York:
District 43 Rep. Ann Matlack:
Sen. Mike Tipping, D-Penobscot:
Maine Secretary of State's Office:
York County Emergency Management Agency:
Portland Police Department:
Scarborough Fire Department:
Former Maine CDC Director Dr. Nirav Shah:
New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu:
College of the Holy Cross Head Women’s Ice Hockey Coach Katie Lachapelle:
Boston Celtics:
North American Hockey League:
If you or someone you know is struggling, help is out there. You can always call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline 9-8-8 or the Maine Crisis Line at 1-888-568-1112.