Police identify person of interest in mass shootings in Lewiston, Maine

The police department in Lewiston, Maine has identified a person of interest in a series of mass shootings Wednesday night.

In a Facebook post, the department said Robert Card "should be considered armed and dangerous. Please contact law enforcement if you are aware of his whereabouts."

The agency also included what appeared to be a driver's license picture of Card. He appears to be the same person show in surveillance images carrying a long gun in an earlier release by authorities.

A shelter-in-place order remains in place for Androscoggin County, Maine, as authorities search for the suspect in Wednesday's shootings.

Previously, the Lewiston Police Department had instructed people to stay inside with doors locked, citing a "manhunt in the area."

The Central Maine Medical Center in Lewiston says it is responding to a "mass casualty, mass shooter event," and is coordinating with area hospitals to take in patients. The hospital has not shared specifics on the numbers of casualties.

Lewiston police say the target of the manhunt is connected to shootings at least two locations — including Schemengees Bar and Grille, and Sparetime Recreation, a bowling alley

Lewiston Mayor Carl Sheline said in a statement, "I am heartbroken for our city and our people. Lewiston is known for our strength and grit and we will need both in the days to come."

The police department has asked people to stay off the roads to give emergency responders easier access to hospitals.

Maine Medical Center, the hospital system in Portland, has alerted on-call staff and created critical care and operating room capacity in anticipation of potential patient transports.

In an emailed statement to local media, the organization continued, "At this time, MMC can confirm it will receive one patient transport from Central Maine Medical Center. Other MaineHealth facilities are also standing by and preparing to provide care. Out of an abundance of caution and due the dynamic nature of this situation, MMC and other MaineHealth hospitals have closed their campuses to non-hospital personnel and non-patients until further notice."

The superintendent of Lewiston Public Schools says all classes will be canceled tomorrow.

In a statement on the school system's web page, Superintendent Jake Langlais said, in part, "There remains a lot of unknowns at this time. Information moves quickly but not always accurately. Please continue to shelter in place or get to safety."

The White House said President Biden has been briefed on the shooting, and has spoken to a variety of government officials in Maine, including Maine Governor Janet Mills, Senators Angus King and Susan Collins, and Rep. Jared Golden. He has offered "full federal support in the wake of this horrific attack," according to a statement.

In addition, a Justice Department spokesperson said, "The Attorney General has been briefed and will continue to closely monitor the situation. Federal law enforcement agencies are assisting our state and local law enforcement partners in Lewiston, Maine."

This is a developing story. Some things reported by the media may later turn out to be wrong. We will focus on reports from law enforcement officials and other authorities, credible news outlets and reporters who are at the scene. We will update as the situation develops.

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