Washongton [US], October 26: At least 22 people were killed and dozens more injured in multiple shootings in the US state of Maine on the evening of October 25 (local time).
CNN quoted law enforcement sources as saying the shootings occurred in the city of Lewiston, Maine, in which at least 16 people were killed and 50-60 injured. Authorities in the US state previously said they were investigating the shootings and the suspect had not been arrested.
Meanwhile, NBC News quoted a Lewiston police source as saying that the death toll was at least 22 people, in addition to dozens of injured.
The Androscoggin County Sheriff's Office urged residents and businesses to close while authorities investigated. Androscoggin police called on the public to help identify the suspect. According to the published photo, the suspect is a man wearing a long-sleeved shirt, jeans, bearded face and holding a rifle . A photo of the car suspected of being involved was also published.
According to information from local media, the shootings occurred at multiple locations in Lewiston and in the nearby city of Auburn.
Central Maine Medical Center in Lewiston issued a statement saying it was responding to a mass shooting incident and was coordinating with area hospitals to receive victims. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has offered to send forces and resources to assist local authorities.
Senator Angus King of Maine, who was once the governor of this state, issued a statement saying he was very saddened by the incident and urged people to avoid leaving their homes while authorities dealt with the threat, and at the same time called on people to avoid leaving their homes. Report immediately if you detect suspicious behavior. Governor Janet Mills was briefed on the situation and urged people in the area to comply with the instructions of law enforcement.
NBC News quoted a senior White House official as saying that President Joe Biden has been briefed on the situation and will continue to receive updates on the shooting. The leader is attending a state banquet with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
Source: ThanhNien Newspaper
