Maine authorities investigating ‘active shooter events’ at multiple locations

Maine authorities said multiple people were shot dead and dozens more wounded in a shootings Wednesday night at multiple locations. 

Law enforcement officials told The Associated Press that at least 16 people are dead and dozens injured, noting that the death toll is expected to rise. 

In a Facebook post, Maine State Police (MSP) said there was an active shooter situation in the city of Lewiston, advising residents in the area to take shelter, stay inside their homes and to lock their doors. 

“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,”  MSP said in their post. 

In a separate Facebook post, the Androscoggin County Sheriff’s Office (ACSO) said it is investigating two active shooter events in the area, also sharing photos of the suspected shooter in its post. 

“We are encouraging all businesses to lock down and or close while we investigate,” ACSO wrote in its post. “The suspect is still at large.”

The officials also told the newswire that multiple people had also been wounded in the incidents, saying that investigators are working to gather evidence at the multiple crime scenes. 

“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,” Maine Gov. Janet Mills (D) said in a post to X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter. “I will to continue to monitor the situation and remain in close contact with public safety officials.”

“The President has been briefed on what’s known so far about the mass shooting in Lewiston, Maine and will continue to receive updates,” the White House Press Office said in a statement. 

This comes as Mane Sens. Susan Collins (R) and Angus King (I) made statements on the active shooter situation, with Collins urging residents to contact local authorities on the whereabouts of the suspect. 

In a separate statement, King said he is “deeply sad for the city of Lewiston and all those worried about their family, friends and neighbors” and is monitoring the situation, adding that he plans to head directly home to Maine once the Senate’s final vote is held Thursday afternoon.

This is a developing story.