In a tragic incident, at least 22 people were killed and between 50 and 60 injured in two separate mass shootings in the U.S. state of Maine.
The assailant remains at large, prompting a manhunt by the police. The suspect has been identified as a 40-year-old white male, considered to be "armed and dangerous."
The shootings occurred at two different locations in the city of Lewiston—a bowling alley and a bar, according to the Androscoggin County Police. Videos shared on social media show people fleeing the scenes in panic.
Authorities have advised residents to stay off the roads to allow ambulances to reach hospitals.
The city of Lewiston, with a population of around 38,000, is located 45 minutes away from Portland, the state's largest city.
Many residents have gathered outside hospitals, anxiously waiting for news about their family and friends. One woman revealed that her ex-husband and son were at the bar during the shooting and she has been unable to contact them for several hours.
President Joe Biden and the White House have expressed their condolences, calling the shooting "terrible." Local authorities are not equipped to handle a crisis of this magnitude, according to Robert McCarthy, a local council member in Lewiston. The FBI has offered manpower and resources to assist local authorities.
