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'Shocked and deeply saddened': Patrick Dempsey, John Mulaney, Stephen King and more celebs react to Maine mass shooting

Celebrities, officials and national leaders react to the mass shooting in Lewiston that killed 18

LEWISTON, MAINE: According to Maine's governor Janet Mills, at least 18 people were killed and 13 injured in the most recent mass shooting in Lewiston, Maine on October 25, when a man opened fire at a restaurant and a bowling alley.

Following the deadly Maine mass shooting, responses from celebrities, New England officials, and national leaders have been pouring in.

Prominent individuals, including Maine-born Patrick Dempsey, extended their sympathies to the families of the victims and to the people of Maine.

Some have also advocated for gun reform on both the federal and Maine levels, where gun regulations are rather liberal.

Celebrities react to the October 2023 Maine mass shooting

Former 'Grey's Anatomy' actor Patrick Dempsey shared his thoughts on the carnage in his hometown of Lewiston, Maine, the day after two shootings in Maine left at least 18 people dead and 13 injured.

He wrote: "I am shocked, and deeply saddened by last night’s tragedy in my hometown, Lewiston, Maine."

"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," he added.

"My family and I are heartbroken for their victims, their families, and the community," the actor said in closing.

In the wake of last night's tragedy, comedians Pete Davidson and John Mulaney have canceled their weekend performances in Maine, according to Deadline.

The shootings have forced comedian Mulaney and fellow 'Saturday Night Live' alumni Davidson to postpone their gig at Cross Insurance Arena for both October 28 and 29. Mulaney was scheduled to perform in Portland, Maine.

Famous author and Maine native Stephen King made a statement regarding the horrific massacre that took place less than 50 miles from his house.

King wrote on X (formerly Twitter): "The shootings occurred less than 50 miles from where I live. I went to high school in Lisbon. It’s the rapid-fire killing machines, people. This is madness in the name of freedom. Stop electing apologists for murder."

According to authorities, suspect Robert Card allegedly first unleashed the horrifying attack at Lewiston's Just-In-Time Recreation bowling alley and then moved his shooting rampage to Schemengees Bar and Grille.

Schemengees Bar and Grille wrote on Facebook, "My heart is crushed. 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 bowling alley Just-In-Time Recreation, which was also a part of the shooting, wrote on Facebook that they had "lost some amazing and whole hearted people from our bowling family and community."

Vermont Governor Phil Scott extended his support to Maine as well.

He wrote on X (formerly Twitter), "Our hearts are broken for the people of Maine as they endure this horrific act of violence. We have reached out to Governor Mills and her team to offer any support we can provide, and Vermont State Police have been in close contact with Maine law enforcement."

Maine Governor Janet Mills remarked at a press conference that she had received calls offering support and assistance from the state's New England neighbors. Governor Maura Healey of Massachusetts is among many who have called.

Governor Healey wrote on X, "My thoughts are with the victims’ families, survivors, and everyone across Maine and New England who’ll feel the weight of this senseless act of gun violence. We’re holding our loved ones a little closer tonight, and praying for the safety of the people of Lewiston."

Former University of Maine collegiate hockey player Coach Jim Montgomery began his press conference on October 26 at Warrior Ice Arena following the Bruins' post-practice media availability with a statement regarding the mass shootings that occurred in Lewiston, Maine.

"I want to start out by recognizing a horrific and tragic event that happened in Lewiston, Maine yesterday. The Boston Bruins offer our sympathy and condolences to the victims and families that suffered," Montgomery stated.

Along with other Boston-area sports teams, the Bruins also tweeted a statement about the deadly shooting.

Team Red Sox released the following statement on X.

Boston Celtics wrote, "Our thoughts are with everyone in Lewiston, Maine."

Robert Kraft, the CEO and chairman of the New England Patriots, released the following statement regarding the mass shooting in Lewiston, Maine:

National leaders react to the Maine mass shooting

Following the mass shooting, President Joe Biden issued a statement in which he declared that gun violence in America was, "not normal, and we cannot accept it."

Biden posted on X, "Once again, our nation mourns after another senseless and tragic mass shooting. Today, Jill and I pray for the Americans in Maine who’ve lost their lives, those in critical care, and the families, survivors, and community members enduring shock and grief."

Mike Johnson, the newly appointed Speaker of the House and a Republican from Louisiana, called for prayer in the wake of the horrific shooting but refrained from mentioning any potential policy changes or upcoming congressional debates.

Following his team's victory over the Utah Jazz in Salt Lake City, Sacramento Kings head basketball coach Mike Brown delivered an emotional address at a press conference.

Governor Janet Mills described the suspect, Robert Card, as 'armed and dangerous'.

He was still at large on Thursday, October 26, as the Maine Department of Public Safety extended the shelter-in-place order that had been issued earlier.