Gunman kills at least 15; manhunt launched

Business reels from attack: ‘How can we make any sense of this’

Schemengees Bar and Grill, one of the locations attacked, posted an emotional Facebook message in the aftermath.

“My heart is crushed,” the post said. “I am at a loss for words. In a split second your world gets turn upside down for no good reason. We loss great people in this community. How can we make any sense of this. Sending out prayers to everyone.”

The post was not signed identifying the writer.

‘We’re hoping and praying’ victims are OK, friend says

Jeremy Janes said he was working at a foundry near Schemengees bar when they heard gunshots and locked the facility down.

“Immediately we locked down, and closed our doors and we closed the shop,” Janes told NBC Boston outside of a hospital in Lewiston.

Janes said he heard his friend’s son had been shot but “he’s doing OK.”

“We’re hoping and praying that everyone’s OK, and he’s OK,” he added.

Photo: Police secure the area around Central Maine Medical Center

Law enforcement officers carry rifles outside Central Maine Medical Center during after an active shooter situation was declared in Lewiston on Wednesday evening.

At least 15 to 20 dead, dozens injured in Maine shootings

The number of people believed to be killed in the shootings is 15 to 20, according to law enforcement sources.

Up to 50 people may be injured, although not all of whom were shot. Some of the wounded reportedly had injuries from a stampede, the sources said.

All Lewiston municipal buildings closed Thursday

The city of Lewiston said that all municipal buildings are closed Thursday as the hunt for a shooter who caused multiple casualties in the city Wednesday evening continues, the city government said.

Schools are also closed. People were told to shelter in place after the shootings. Police identified a bar and a bowling alley as scenes.

The city said that non-emergency personnel should stay home.