A devastating episode unraveled late Wednesday in Lewiston, Maine, as a gunman claimed the lives of 22 individuals, marking the event as the most deadly mass shooting of 2023, per findings by the non-profit entity, Gun Violence Archive. The heartrending sequence unfolded at two community spots, Schemengees, a local eatery, and Sparetime Recreation, a bowling facility, located roughly 4 miles from each other. Initially, reports suggested a shooting at a Walmart distribution center, though this was later clarified as inaccurate by a Walmart representative.

The law enforcement is ardently pursuing Robert Card, a 40-year-old male, identified as the primary suspect in relation to the shootings. Mike Sauschuck, the Public Safety Commissioner of Maine, has alerted the populace, designating Card as “armed and dangerous.” The county sheriff’s office has released images displaying an individual, brandishing a semiautomatic weapon, near the bowling alley’s entrance. Card, known to be a skilled firearms instructor, has had previous encounters with mental health issues.

Amid the active investigation and the hunt for Card, a notification was circulated among the law enforcement community on Wednesday. Card’s sister-in-law, Katie Card, shared her disbelief and mentioned that law officers were present at her residence in Bowdoin, which is located near Robert Card’s known abode. She expressed, “My acquaintance with my brother-in-law dates back to high school, and he’s always been a compassionate, caring individual. Your prayers are appreciated.”

The grim incident, commencing shortly before 7 p.m., has led to the implementation of a shelter-in-place directive in Lewiston. Concurrently, residents in nearby Lisbon, Maine, have been advised to stay indoors following the identification of a suspicious vehicle in the area. Sauschuck, in his address, highlighted the mobilization of hundreds of police personnel in the ongoing inquiry.

Maine’s Governor Janet Mills has been updated on the dire situation and has urged the citizens to adhere to the instructions provided by law enforcement bodies. The White House acknowledged that President Biden has been apprised of the circumstances and will continue to receive updates.

Situated 36 miles north of Portland, Lewiston is home to about 38,500 citizens. Following the occurrence, the Maine Medical Center in Portland revealed their preparation to receive a patient transferred from another medical facility, with other MaineHealth System entities also on alert.

While speaking outside a reunification center set up for the affected families, Auburn’s Mayor Jason J. Levesque praised the fortitude and resilience of the local populace. Reflecting on the responses of the individuals at the scene, Levesque remarked, “The atmosphere is one of sheer disbelief.”

In response to the tragic events, local officials have declared a closure of educational institutions and municipal offices in both Lewiston and Lisbon for the upcoming Thursday. Non-essential personnel are advised to stay at home. A media briefing is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. ET on Thursday at the Lewiston City Hall, as affirmed by a spokesperson for the Maine State Police.