Municipal buildings, schools closed as police investigate Lewiston shootings

Oct. 26—Portland and other communities are closing municipal buildings Thursday as the hunt continues for a person of interest in what is is likely the deadliest shooting in Maine's history.

At least 16 people were killed and dozens more were injured in shootings Wednesday night at Sparetime Recreation and Schemengees Bar & Grille in Lewiston. Police are searching for Robert Card, 40, of Bowdoin, in connection with the shootings.

Portland announced that all city buildings except City Hall and the Portland Public Health Clinic at 39 Forest Ave. will be closed to the public Thursday because of the situation in Lewiston.

The Portland International Jetport remains open and flights are operating as usual, but Portland police and the Department of Homeland Security have increased patrols, according to assistant airport director Zachary Sundquist.

Town hall is closed in Bowdoin, where state police issued a shelter in place advisory. Town officials urged all residents to stay inside with their doors locked, not to approach any individuals and to report any suspicious activity to the Sagadahoc County Sheriff's Office.

Portland and dozens of other school districts and child care centers in southern and central Maine are closed for the day.

"Our hearts go out to the Lewiston community and the families of those killed or injured. No matter where they take place, these types of senseless tragedies hit close to home, bringing up many emotions and questions for all of us. Although we do not have many of the answers, we will continue to support our staff, students and families in processing these events," Portland Superintendent Ryan Scallon said in a letter to the school community.

University of Maine System schools are making individual campus closure decisions. The system's Orono, Machias, Portland and Farmington campuses will all remain closed Thursday. The University of Maine School of Law is also closed.

Four out of seven of Maine's community colleges have so far announced they will keep their doors closed today.

Central Maine Community College in Auburn, Southern Maine Community College in South Portland, Kennebec Valley Community College in Fairfield and York County Community College in Wells all have cancelled classes and other school events for the day. Maine Community College System presidents are making individual decisions about what is best for their campuses.

In Cumberland, all town facilities and offices will be closed Thursday, including Prince Memorial Library and Val Halla Golf Course. The town announced that Cumberland police "will be out in force" and urged residents to report anything suspicious to police.

Brunswick Town Hall is closed until noon and all recreation and childcare programs have been closed or canceled. In Topsham, all non-emergency facilities remain closed.

The Bureau of Motor Vehicles branch in Topsham is closed, as are all state government offices in Lewiston and Auburn.

Maine state courts and facilities in Lewiston and Auburn are closed, including Lewiston District Court, Auburn Superior Court and the violations bureau/service center.

Multiple businesses and organizations have also announced they will stay closed on Thursday.

A spokesperson for L.L. Bean said that its stores in Freeport will be closed until at least 11 a.m. Thursday "due to the tragedy in Lewiston and out of an abundance of caution." The store will provide updates on its hours as the situation evolves.

First shift workers at Bath Iron Works who are impacted by shelter in place orders have been told not to report to work Thursday morning. Their missed time will be excused under the terms of their collective bargaining agreements. The Western Maine Community Action Blue Line Express commuter bus service from Lewiston and Lisbon will not run today.

The Children's Museum and Theatre of Maine is closed. Ticket holders will receive an email with more information.

Aroma Joe's announced 10 locations are closed Thursday.

"As we process the horrific news out of Lewiston, Maine, we remain committed to keeping our baristas safety," the company said in a social media post.

Locations in Lewiston, Auburn, Oxford, Topsham, Brunswick, Turner, Gray, Raymond, Naples and Lisbon are closed.

This story will be updated.