A horrifying mass shooting in the northeastern state of Maine, USA has left at least 22 people dead and more than 50 wounded.
The devastating incident occurred when a lone gunman went on a shooting rampage in the city of Lewiston on Wednesday night.
According to an unnamed law enforcement official cited by NBC News, at least 22 individuals lost their lives, with as many as 60 injured in the attack.
State and local police are diligently searching for the suspect, who remains at large.
The local police department shared a photo of the suspect on their Facebook page identified as Robert Card, whom they described as “armed and dangerous.” They urged the public not to approach him or make contact.
They warned the public stating, “There is an active shooter in Lewiston. We ask people to shelter in place. Please stay inside your home with the doors locked. Law enforcement is currently investigating at multiple locations.”
Card had received firearms training as a firearms instructor at a US Army reserve training center in Maine.
However, he also had a history of mental health issues, including hearing voices, and had spent two weeks in a mental health facility during the summer.
US President Joe Biden has been briefed on the shootings and has spoken with Maine Governor Janet Mills, Senators Angus King and Susan Collins, and Congressman Jared Golden.
The White House has offered full federal support in the aftermath of this devastating incident.
If the death toll of 22 is confirmed, this attack in Lewiston would be the deadliest mass shooting in the United States since at least August 2019, when a gunman opened fire on shoppers at an El Paso Walmart, killing 23 people, as reported by the Gun Violence Archive.
Lewiston public schools and nearby districts have canceled classes for Thursday as the community comes to terms with this tragic event.
