Dempsey’s message to Maine community
In a heartfelt message shared on his Instagram on Thursday, the 57-year-old actor, who grew up in the Lewiston-Auburn area, reflected on the strength of the local community and extended his sympathies to those affected by this senseless act of violence.
“I am shocked, and deeply saddened by last night’s tragedy in my hometown, Lewiston, Maine,” Dempsey wrote in his Instagram post. “Maine’s great strength is its sense of community, and now we are being asked to come together to support everyone that has been devastated by this senseless act. My family and I are heartbroken for the victims, their families, and the community.”
Patrick Dempsey spent the first 12 years of his life in Turner, a small town in Maine, before relocating to the nearby rural town of Buckfield.
His deep connection to Maine has always been evident, as he once stated, “I went from having the luxury of getting lost in the wilderness of Maine to the New York City life at 17, but my roots and my origin, if you will, are in Maine.”
The tragic incident occurred at Just-In-Time Recreation, a bowling alley, and Schemengees Bar and Grille, located approximately four miles apart in Lewiston.
Lewiston, with a population of about 36,000, is the second-most populous city in Maine, after Portland.
It is also home to Bates College and the Dempsey Center, founded by Patrick Dempsey in honor of his late mother, Amanda.
The Dempsey Center, established in 2008, provides support for individuals dealing with cancer and offers personalized and comprehensive care at no cost. In addition to their Lewiston location, they also operate another center in South Portland.
Lewiston suspect still at large
During a press conference on Wednesday night, Public Safety Commissioner for the Governor’s Office Mike Sauschuck revealed that the violence in Lewiston began at approximately 6:56 p.m.
The suspect, Robert Card, was described by Governor Janet Mills as “armed and dangerous” and was still at large as of Thursday afternoon, prompting a shelter-in-place order issued by the Maine Department of Public Safety.
