LEWISTON, Maine — Several people lost their lives and more than a dozen were injured following a mass shooting in Lewiston on Wednesday night.
In a press conference Thursday morning, Gov. Janet Mills and Maine State Police said 18 people were killed and 13 people were injured in the shootings, which took place at a bowling alley and restaurant, located about 4 miles away from each other. Seven people were killed at Sparetime Recreation, eight were killed at Schemengees Bar and Grille Restaurant, and three died at local hospitals.
Robert Card, 40, of Bowdoin was sought by more than 350 law enforcement officials. At about 9:20 p.m. Friday, the body of Card was found in the town of Lisbon Falls, the Associated Press reported.
During the three-day search, Card was presumed armed and dangerous, and residents of Androscoggin County were ordered to shelter in place until about 5 p.m. Friday. Several businesses and schools in the county and across Maine closed on Thursday and Friday.
Thursday morning the Coast Guard sent out a patrol boat along the Kennebec River to search for Card. Chief Petty Officer Ryan Smith of the Boothbay Harbor station said after hours of searching they found "nothing out of the ordinary. Card's 15-ft boat remains unaccounted for, according to AP.
Card was reportedly committed to a mental health facility for two weeks this past summer and reported "hearing voices and had threatened to carry out a shooting at the military training base in Saco," AP reported.
Reports of the shootings Wednesday began at about 6:56 p.m. Lt. Derrick St. Laurent of the Lewiston Police Department told NEWS CENTER Maine the shootings happened at Just-in-Time Recreation, formerly Sparetime Recreation, and Schemengees Bar and Grille Restaurant.
NBC News said not all those who were injured suffered gunshot injuries. Some people were injured from stampede or during panic to escape the scenes.
In 2022, there were 29 homicides total in Maine.
For a full timeline of the mass shooting, click here.
At about 5 p.m. Thursday, a shelter-in-place was issued for northern Sagadahoc County.
As of midnight Thursday, Maine State Police said in a Facebook post a vehicle of interest was located in Lisbon, but it was reportedly abandoned.
Lisbon police also stated on Facebook that law enforcement was searching the town for a suspect.
The Bates College campus went into lockdown Wednesday night into Thursday morning, according to the college's website, and it canceled Friday classes.
Agents with the Boston branch of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives also responded to the active shooter event, the field office said on X.
President Joe Biden was briefed about the situation and was in communication with Gov. Janet Mills and Maine's Congressional delegates.
Hospitals respond
Central Maine Medical Center released the following statement:
"Central Maine Medical Center is reacting to a mass casualty, mass shooter event. At this time there are no specifics to share on the number of casualties. Central Maine Healthcare is coordinating with area hospitals to take in patients."
Maine Medical Center released the following statement:
"Maine Medical Center has alerted on-call staff and created critical care and operating room capacity in anticipation of potential patient transports coming from the Lewiston shooting this evening. 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 [to] 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."
St. Mary's Health System released the following:
"St. Mary’s Health System has activated our emergency response plans, called in all available staff, and is collaborating closely with local partners to ensure a unified effort in treating those impacted by the events that have taken place tonight.
We will continue to prioritize the safety and care of our patients, and we are working diligently to ensure the hospital environment remains secure. All elective procedures and surgeries scheduled for tomorrow morning have been cancelled, and practices will be closed. We will be reaching out to those with appointments to reschedule."
Public reactions
Lewiston Mayor Carl Sheline issued the following statement via email about the situation:
"Lewiston is currently under a shelter-in-place order, and it is critical to prioritize your safety and the safety of those around you. Please follow all recommended guidelines and stay home. We will continue to monitor this situation and State Police will provide updates. 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."
Gov. Janet Mills released a statement at 8:30 p.m.:
"I am aware of and have been briefed on the active shooter situation in Lewiston. I urge all people in the area to follow the direction of State and local enforcement. I will continue to monitor the situation and remain in close contact with public safety officials."
During Thursday morning's press conference, Gov. Mills announced she and President Biden have ordered the flags of the State of Maine and the United States to fly at half-staff statewide for the next five days.
To read more community and political reactions to the shooting, click here.