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At least 22 people dead and ‘person of interest’ sought after shootings in Lewiston, Maine, officials say

At least 22 people are dead and dozens are injured following two shootings Wednesday night at a bowling alley and a restaurant in Lewiston, Maine, authorities say. An intensive manhunt is underway for a person of interest in the shootings, according to officials.

Robert Card, 40, of Bowdoin, is a person of interest and should be considered armed and dangerous, Maine Department of Public Safety Commissioner Mike Sauschuck said.

Law enforcement officials in Maine tell CNN that Card is a certified firearms instructor and a member of the US Army Reserve. Card had recently made threats to carry out a shooting at a National Guard facility in Saco, Maine, and also reported mental health issues, including hearing voices, the officials said. At a press conference Wednesday evening, Sauschuk declined to provide further information about the cards. “We are not ready to look into the details (of the cards),” he said.

The Lewiston Police Department has identified Robert Card as a 'person of interest' in connection with a shooting in Lewiston. Lewiston Police Department

The Lewiston Police Department has identified Robert Card as a "person of interest" in the shooting. Lewiston City Councilman Robert McCarthy told CNN that at least 22 people had died, citing city officials. Follow updates in real time

The shooting happened around 7 p.m. ET, Sauschuk said. Lewiston police reported shootings at Sparetime Recreation, a bowling alley on Mollison Way, and Schemengees Bar & Grille on Lincoln Street.

“We recommend that all businesses close or close during the investigation,” the Androscoggin County Sheriff’s Office said on Facebook Wednesday evening.

The sheriff's office released a photo of the "suspect for identification purposes." The man is seen holding a powerful assault rifle.

The Androscoggin County Sheriff's Office has released a photo of a suspect suspected in a mass shooting in Lewiston, Maine. Androscoggin County Sheriff's Office

The Androscoggin County Sheriff's Office released a photo of the suspect in Lewiston, Maine. Residents of Lewiston and the neighboring city of Lisbon are being covered up, Saushuk said.

A “vehicle of interest” was found in Lisbon, the chief said. Lewiston police previously said they were searching for the vehicle and released images of a small white SUV believed to have a black front bumper. Maine State Police confirmed to CNN that the suspect's car is visible in the photo.

Lewiston is about 36 miles north of Portland and is the state’s second-largest city.

“Please stay inside your home with the doors locked,” state police said in a post on Facebook. “If you see any suspicious activity or individuals please call 911.”

The Lewiston Police Department released this image of a vehicle connected to the active shooter situation. Lewiston Maine Police Department

The Lewiston Police Department released this image of a vehicle connected to the shootings. MORE ABOUT LEWISTON

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A city spokesperson originally told the Sun Journal newspaper that another shooting was reported at a Walmart distribution center, but a company spokesperson told CNN none of Walmart’s facilities was involved in the incidents.

Officials in the nearby city of Auburn also “strongly urged” residents to shelter in place due to the ongoing active shooter situation, according to a post on X, formerly Twitter.

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Auburn is less than 2 miles west from Lewiston.

In a statement, the FBI said its Boston division is coordinating with law enforcement partners in Maine and stands “ready to assist with any available resources,” and urged the public to remain vigilant.

Maine Gov. Janet Mills said Wednesday night she has been briefed on the situation. “I encourage everyone in this area to follow the directions of state and local law enforcement. I will continue to monitor the situation and remain in close contact with public safety officials,” the governor wrote on Facebook.

CNN's Jamiel Lynch, Josh Campbell, Christina Maxouris and Chris Boyette contributed to this report.