Hello, this is Governor Janet Mills and thank you for listening.
As you likely know, on Wednesday night, local, county, state, and federal law enforcement officers from across the State of Maine responded to reports of an active shooter at several locations in Lewiston.
Maine’s law enforcement officers responded swiftly, selflessly, and with great bravery Wednesday night. As of this recording, they are continuing to display that bravery in their tireless search for the suspected gunman, Robert Card of Bowdoin.
On behalf of all Maine people, I want to express my deep gratitude to those law enforcement officers, and to Maine’s emergency medical providers, for their response and for their continued service.
As the manhunt for the suspect continues at this time, Maine State Police have issued a shelter in place order for several communities. Those communities right now are Lewiston, Lisbon, and Bowdoin. Mr. Card is considered armed and dangerous, and police advise that Maine people should not approach him under any circumstances.
I continue to strongly urge Maine people to follow the direction of State and local law enforcement amid this changing situation. Please, if you see anything suspicious, please call 911.
There are still many things that we do not yet know about the attacks on Wednesday night, but I am profoundly saddened to confirm that 18 people were killed and 13 people injured.
Lewiston is a special place. It is a closeknit community with a long history of hard work, of persistence, of faith, of opening its big heart to people everywhere. Lewiston is where I worked for many years, it’s where I met and married my husband, Stan, and it’s where the girls went to school.
I know that the people of Lewiston are enduring immeasurable pain. I wish I could take that pain from you, but I promise you this, we will all help you carry this grief.
I ask Maine people to join me in offering our comfort to the families and friends who have lost someone and in offering our prayers for a swift recovery to the people who are healing in Maine hospitals today.
I know it’s hard for us to think about healing when our hearts are broken, but I want you to know that we will heal together. Going forward, struggling as we may, let’s wrap our arms around one another, and offer comfort and solace and love.
If you or a person you love needs someone to talk to during this difficult time, please call or text 988 for free and confidential counseling. That’s just 9-8-8.
The full weight of my Administration is behind law enforcement’s efforts to capture the suspect who has been charged with committing these vile acts, and to seek full justice for the victims and their families.
I will continue to share information with the people of Maine as law enforcement officials confirm it, as well as information about any steps that you can take to support the people of Lewiston in this time.
May God bless the City of Lewiston and all of its people and bless the memories of those we have lost.
This is Governor Janet Mills and thank you for listening.