President Biden late Wednesday spoke to Maine Gov. Janet Mills and other key leaders to offer his support after mass shootings at a restaurant and bowling alley in Lewiston killed at least 16 people.
Mr. Biden spoke individually by phone with Ms. Mills, a Democrat, and Republican Sen. Susan Collins and independent Sen. Angus King of Maine. He also spoke to Rep. Jared Golden, a Democrat whose district includes the sites of the shootings.
In each case, Mr. Biden “offered full federal support in the wake of this horrific attack,” the White House said.
Mr. Biden on Thursday ordered flags to fly at half-staff at the White House, public buildings and military installations through Monday in memory of the victims.
Police are searching for a person of interest, 40-year-old Robert Card of Bowdoin, after the shootings at Just-in-Time Recreation, a bowling alley, and Schemengees Bar & Grille Restaurant.
The shootings began shortly before 7 p.m. Wednesday in Lewiston, the second-largest city in Maine.
“This is my hometown,” Mr. Golden wrote on the X platform. “Right now, all of us are looking to local law enforcement as they gain control of the situation and gather information. Our hearts break for those who are affected and we encourage everyone to follow the directions of the authorities as they conduct their work.”
• Tom Howell Jr. can be reached at thowell@washingtontimes.com.
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