Police now say at least 18 killed in Maine mass shooting as manhunt continues

Maine Gov. Janet Mills said Thursday that 18 people are dead and 13 people were injured after a gunman opened fire Monday evening in multiple locations in the town of Lewiston.

"This is a dark day for Maine," Mills said.

Lewiston police received a call about a shooting at Sparetime Recreation bowling alley shortly before 7 p.m. Wednesday and more calls came in less than 15 minutes later about an active shooter inside Schemengees Bar and Grill, officials said.

At the bowling alley, police discovered six deceased males and one deceased female. At the bar, officers found seven males dead inside of the establishment and one male dead outside of the establishment, officials said. 

Other people were transferred to area hospitals, and three people died there, according to authorities.

Police said a warrant is out for the arrest of Robert Card, 40, for eight counts of murder. He has not been charged with 18 murders because 10 of the victims have not been identified, officials said at a press conference Thursday morning.

Hundreds of local, state and federal law enforcement officers scoured Maine early Thursday and ordered schools and businesses to remain shuttered as they frantically searched for a gunman who opened fire at a bowling alley and a bar on Thursday.

Officials said they do not know Card's location at this time.

Earlier reports from Lewiston City Councilor Robert McCarthy had put the death toll at 22, citing a city administrator.

Schools, colleges, daycare centers, and businesses were ordered shuttered in Lewiston and the surrounding areas as the manhunt widened Thursday morning.

President Joe Biden was pulled from a state dinner with the Australian Prime Minister to be briefed on the tragedy as it was unfolding Wednesday night, and federal agencies from the FBI to the Homeland Security Department deployed resources to assist Maine authorities.

Political leaders nationwide expressed sorrow and horror at the tragedy and urged local residents to follow the instructions of police during what was described as a continuing dangerous situation.

Maine Sen. Angus King, an independent, said he was leaving Washington immediately to return home to help his grieving state, declaring he was“deeply sad for the city of Lewiston and all those worried about their family, friends and neighbors."

Initial reports referred to a third shooting at a Walmart distribution center, though the company has since stated that none of its facilities were involved.

"There is an active shooter situation in the city of Lewiston. Law enforcement is asking people to shelter in place," the Maine State Police warned. "Please stay inside your home with the doors locked. Law enforcement is currently investigating at two locations right now. Again please stay off the streets and allow law enforcement to diffuse the situation. If you see any suspicious activity or individuals please call 911."

"Law enforcement in Androscoggin County are investigating two active shooter events. We are encouraging all businesses to lock down and or close while we investigate. The suspect is still at large," the Androscoggin County Sheriff's Office posted, along with a photo of a suspect.

Ben Whedon is an editor and reporter for Just the News. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter.