In a tragic incident, reports from American media this Thursday morning have confirmed the death of at least 16 individuals, with another 50 to 60 people injured, in a shooting rampage that occurred in the city of Lewiston, Maine, USA.
The American news network CNN, citing law enforcement sources, stated, “At least 16 people have been killed in shooting incidents in the city of Lewiston, Maine… These shooting incidents have left between 50 to 60 individuals injured.”
The network added that the gunman responsible for the shootings is still at large.
On the other hand, the Maine State Police issued a statement on the social media platform “X,” saying, “There is an active shooting situation in the city of Lewiston. People are urged to seek shelter. Please stay indoors with doors locked. Police forces are currently investigating two locations.”
For the third consecutive year, the United States recorded over 600 mass shootings in the past year of 2022, where at least 4 individuals were killed or injured.
Mass shootings have been a recurring issue in the United States, sparking debates and calls for stricter gun control measures. Incidents like these raise concerns about the ease of access to firearms and the need for comprehensive gun reform policies.
The frequency of such incidents has prompted discussions about the role of mental health, gun ownership regulations, and the need for a national conversation on gun violence prevention. Efforts to address this issue have often faced political challenges, as the debate over the Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution continues to be a contentious topic in American politics.
Mass shootings not only result in tragic loss of life and injuries but also have a profound impact on communities and the nation as a whole, reigniting debates on gun control laws and public safety measures.