UPDATE | OCTOBER 26, 2023 at 10:45 a.m. EST: According to Maine Governor Janet Mills, the death toll of Wednesday night’s shooting has risen to 18.
ORIGINAL | OCTOBER 25, 2023: On the evening of Wednesday, October 25, 2023, an armed assailant reportedly shot and killed at least 16 people and injured up to 60 others in Lewiston, Maine. Local authorities have yet to publicly identify a person of interest, but initial reports indicate the shooter appeared at three locations in the great Lewiston area, including Schemengees Bar and Grille Restaurant, a Walmart store and Sparetime Recreation. Police continue to investigate the incident, which has been described as “extremely volatile [and] extremely dangerous.”
“The President has been briefed on what’s known so far about the mass shooting in Lewiston, Maine and will continue to receive updates,” a statement from a White House official reads, according to Dan Lampariello of WGME in Portland, Maine.
The identities of those injured have not been shared with the public. However, authorities are encouraging local residents to stay off of the road to make way for emergency responders.
“Please stay off the roads to allow emergency responders access to the hospitals,” police told the Associated Press.
“We are encouraging all businesses to lock down and or close while we investigate.”
Authorities and emergency responders will continue to monitor the situation as it unfolds. More details will be added to this report as this tragedy unfolds.
