The owner of a bar targeted ina mass shooting in Maine on Wednesdayhas spoken out on social media in the wake of the attack.
At least 16 people died in the attack,CNN,ABC NewsandFox Newsreported, citing law enforcement sources, in the hours following shootings at Schemengees Bar and Grille and Sparetime Recreation in Lewiston, Maine.
In addition to the fatalities, CNN reported that at least 50 people suffered injuries.
Lewiston Police Department shared a release on Facebook Wednesday night, detailing Robert Card as a person of interest in a “mass shooting at Schemengees Bar and Sparetime Recreation this evening,” and several hours later, the owner of Schemengees posted their own statement on social media addressing the tragic events.
“My heart is crushed,” the statement from Schemengees Bar and Grille — which was posted in the early hours of Thursday morningon the venue’s official Facebook page— began.
CJ GUNTHER/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock
According to Schemengees’ website, the venue islocated in the southeast area of Lewistonclose to the Androscoggin River.
During a press conference on Wednesday night, Public Safety Commissioner for the Governor’s Office Mike Sauschuck said that violence in Lewiston, Maine — a town with a population of around 38,500 that sits 35 miles north of Portland — began at about 6:56 p.m.
Law enforcement officials (R) guard the ambulance entrance to Central Maine Medical Center.JOSEPH PREZIOSO/AFP via Getty
JOSEPH PREZIOSO/AFP via Getty
Lewiston police also posted a number ofphotos of the person of intereston social media on Wednesday night. In the images, the individual appears to be holding an assault rifle.
“If people see him, they should not approach card or make contact with him in any way,” Sauschuck urged the public during the press conference.
According to a report fromThe Associated Press,a police bulletin detailed that the person of interest had recently been committed to a mental health facility for two weeks over the past summer and is a military-trained firearms instructor. Per the AP, the bulletin described the person of interest as being assigned to a training facility in Saco, Maine. The outlet detailed that there was no information regarding the suspect’s stay at the mental health facility, but noted that the police bulletin said that Card had reported he had “heard voices and threats to shoot up” the base.
Police also posted a photo of a white parked vehicle thatthey believe to be the person of interest’s car, and Sauschuck noted during the press conference that a “vehicle of interest” had been found in a neighboring town, Lisbon. He said that residents of Lisbon, as well as residents of Lewiston, Auburn and Bowdoin,Maine have been advised to shelter in place.
Schemengees Bar & Grille Restaurant in Lewiston, Maine.Google Maps
Google Maps
Sparetime Recreation, where police say the shootings also took place, isnamed on the business’ websiteas Just In Time Recreation and described as “your local bowling center, family restaurant, and event venue.” As of Thursday morning, the bowling alley has made no official statement via their website or social media channels.
“I was laying on top of my daughter. My mother was laying on top of me,” Dumont told ABC News.
Another bowler, named Brandon,told the APthat he had heard what he thought were balloons popping.
A police car drives toward Schemengees Bar & Grille.CJ GUNTHER/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock
“I had my back turned to the door. And as soon as I turned and saw it was not a balloon — he was holding a weapon — I just booked it,” he told the outlet.
As of Thursday morning, the gunman remains at large with hundreds of police reportedly taking part in a manhunt,per the AP. Local authorities have urged residents to shelter in place, as well as closing municipal buildings and schools.
Late Wednesday evening, the City of Lewistonshared a post on Facebookwhich stated that, “All municipal buildings in the City of Lewiston will be closed tomorrow, Thu., Oct. 26” and added that “Programs, events or early voting at City Hall have been canceled for tomorrow. Non-emergency personnel should stay at home tomorrow too.” Meanwhile, Lewiston Policeannounced a number of road closuresin the early hours of Thursday morning “due to the ongoing investigation.”
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Lewiston Public Schools announcedon social media late Wednesdaythat “there will not be school tomorrow.”
“Please continue to shelter in place or get to safety,” the statement continued. “We will continue to update you with information and next steps as appropriate. Stay close to your loved ones. Embrace them. Our prayers go out to those who lost someone tonight. Our prayers go out to all those working to stop further loss of life. We will provide updates.”
Schemengees Bar and Grille did not immediately reply to PEOPLE’s request for further information.
source: people.com
