[ad_1] At least 22 people are dead after a gunman went on a rampage in three different locations in the northeast US state of Maine on Wednesday eve
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At least 22 people are dead after a gunman went on a rampage in three different locations in the northeast US state of Maine on Wednesday evening.
Police in Maine have issued a shelter-in-place order as they hunt the shooter after what is being described as a “mass casualty incident”.
Fox News reports that at least 22 people are dead, according to law enforcement sources. CNN reports that at least 16 people are dead and 50 to 60 wounded.
Maine State Police said in a statement there was an active shooter situation in Lewiston, a city of 36,000 people around 60 kilometres north of Portland.
Authorities are investigating shootings at three separate locations, including a bowling alley and restaurant.
Police were called to Sparetime Recreation at about 7.15pm after reports of an active shooter, The Sun Journal reports.
Shortly after another shooting was reported at Schemengees Bar & Grille Restaurant. At around 8.15pm, a third shooting was reported at a Walmart Distribution Centre.
“We ask people to shelter in place,” Maine State Police said.
“Please stay inside your home with the doors locked. Law enforcement is currently investigating at multiple locations. If you see any suspicious activity or individuals please call 911.”
A local hospital, the Central Maine Medical Center, said it was reacting to a “mass casualty, mass shooter event”.
“Central Maine Healthcare is coordinating with area hospitals to take in patients,” the hospital said.
Authorities did not provide details on the shootings and possible victims, but the Androscoggin Sheriff’s Office shared two images of the suspect carrying a rifle on its Facebook page.
“The suspect is still at large,” the Sheriff’s Office warned.
The Lewiston Police Department released a photo of a car believed to be linked to the shootings.
Maine Governor Janet Mills said she has been briefed on the active shooting situation in Lewiston.
“I urge all people in the area to follow the direction of State and local enforcement,” she wrote on X. “I will to continue to monitor the situation and remain in close contact with public safety officials.”
The shootings occurred as Lewiston public schools were holding parent-teacher conferences. All schools were placed on lockdown, the superintendent announced.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has offered personnel and resources to local authorities in Maine, a spokesperson for the agency told CNN.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) also said its agents were responding to the shooting.
More to come
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