At least 16 individuals have tragically lost their lives in a series of shootings that took place at a restaurant and a bowling alley in Lewiston, Maine, on Wednesday. The gunman, identified as a person of interest named Robert Card, remains at large, prompting a widespread search by law enforcement.

Authorities issued a shelter-in-place order, urging residents to remain indoors as they intensively pursued Card, who was described as a 40-year-old firearms instructor believed to be associated with the Army Reserve. The suspect's alleged history of mental health concerns, including reported threats to a military base, has raised further concerns about the motive behind the harrowing attack.

Eyewitnesses recounted the chaos that ensued as shots rang out, with many seeking refuge behind the bowling alley equipment. The survivors were transported to a nearby middle school to reunite with their loved ones, while hundreds of law enforcement officers continued their relentless overnight manhunt.

With Lewiston and the nearby town of Lisbon under lockdown, residents have been advised to exercise extreme caution and avoid any interaction with the armed and dangerous suspect. As the affected community grapples with the aftermath of this devastating incident, medical centers in the region are mobilizing resources to treat the injured.

The President of the United States, Joe Biden, personally reached out to Maine Governor Janet Mills, Senators Angus King and Susan Collins, and Congressman Jared Golden to offer support and assistance in the wake of this tragedy. The incident in Lewiston marks the 36th mass killing in the United States this year, as recorded by the Associated Press and USA Today database in partnership with Northeastern University.

Law enforcement agencies are scheduled to hold a press conference at 10:30 am local time, where further updates on the ongoing investigation are expected to be provided.