Several Republicans have have offered their prayers after at least 16 people were killed and several wounded in a mass shooting in Maine.
A gunman opened fire in two separate locations in Lewiston, Maine, a bowling alley and a restaurant, on Wednesday evening, with police naming Robert Card, 40, as a person of interest, saying the certified firearms instructor and member of the U.S. Army Reserve should be “considered armed and dangerous.”
The authorities have not yet confirmed a death toll. According to The Associated Press, law enforcement officials said the number was at least 16. Other news outlets, such as CNN, have reported the death toll is at 22.
Photo by JOSEPH PREZIOSO/AFP via Getty Images
Responding to the reports, key figures in the Republican Party took to X, formerly Twitter, to send “prayers” to those affected.
Representative Lauren Boebert of Colorado wrote: “Sending prayers to Lewistown, Maine tonight. Know that the entire country is praying for you.”
Chris Sununu, the Republican governor of New Hampshire, wrote: “New Hampshire state officials have been in touch with our counterparts in Maine to offer and provide any medical and safety resources needed as they manage this horrific situation. Our hearts and prayers are with the people of Maine.”
Leon Benjamin, who is running for Congress in Virginia, focused on policy and wrote: “Active Shooter in Maine! 22 Dead, 50+ injured! Pray and know how 5GW is very active right now. Our Nation is not being protected because of bad policies like: Defunding the Police!”
And Donald Trump called the situation “terrible” on a post on Truth Social.
“A terrible situation going on in Maine. At least 22 dead. It just seems to never end for the USA!” he wrote.
Sen. Susan Collins of Maine wrote: “As our state mourns this horrific mass shooting, we appreciate the support we’ve received from across the country, including the call I received from President Biden offering assistance.”
Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost, the Democratic Representative for Florida’s 10th district said on X that prayers were not enough: “Praying for everyone’s safety in Maine, and for the victims and their families. But unlike some in Congress, I don’t believe the only thing we can do about gun violence is pray. Every minute our leaders fail to act = more people dead to senseless gun violence.”
Victor Shi, a Biden-supporting activist, said: “I don’t want to hear any of the thoughts and prayers. We’ve tried it again. It hasn’t worked. When will enough be enough? When will those same politicians realize that faith without work is dead? Let’s get to work.”
President Joe Biden spoke to Maine lawmakers on the phone and “offered full federal support” in the wake of the attack, the White House said in a statement.
Meanwhile, Lewiston Public Schools Superintendent Jake Langlais said in a statement that schools in the district would be closed on Thursday.
Uncommon Knowledge
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