Patrick Dempsey.Photo: Karwai Tang/WireImage

Patrick Dempsey attends the 60th anniversary party of TAG Heuer Carrera at Outernet London on April 20, 2023 in London, England.

Patrick Dempseyis sharing his devastation after amass shootingtook place in his hometown of Lewiston, Maine, claiming the lives of 18 people and injuring another 13.

TheGrey’s Anatomyalum, 57, posted astatement to his Instagramon Thursday, expressing his sorrow over the recent events in his hometown.

“My family and I are heartbroken for their victims, their families, and the community,” the actor concluded.

Eighteen people were killed and 13 were injured during amass shootingon Wednesday, which occurred at Just-In-Time Recreation,a bowling alley, and Schemengees Bar and Grille, about four miles away, in Lewiston, Maine.

TheEnchantedactor opened the center in 2008 inhonor of his late mother Amanda, who was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 1997. Per theirwebsite, the Dempsey Center provides personalized and comprehensive cancer care at no cost. They also have another location in South Portland.

During a press conference on Wednesday night, Public Safety Commissioner for the Governor’s Office Mike Sauschuck said the violence in Lewiston began at about 6:56 p.m.

Because of this, many businesses — including the Dempsey Center — were closed to the public on Thursday. Scheduled events, likePete DavidsonandJohn Mulaney’s comedy shows set for this weekend in Maine, have alsobeen postponedin the wake of the tragedy.

Police at Schemengees Bar Wednesday’s mass shooting occurred.JOSEPH PREZIOSO/AFP via Getty Images

Police presence at Schemengees Bar where a mass shooting occurred yesterday in Lewiston, Maine on October 26, 2023

JOSEPH PREZIOSO/AFP via Getty Images

Lewiston police haveposted numerous photos of the suspect, who appears to be holding an assault rifle, on the agency’s Facebook page. Police also posted a photo of whatthey believe to be the suspect’s car.

Eight of the fatal victims have been identified, so an arrest warrant has been issued for the suspect on eight counts of murder.

Army Spokesman Bryce Dubee tells PEOPLE that the suspect is a Petroleum Supply Specialist in the U.S. Army Reserve. TheAssociated Press, citing a state police bulletin, reported the suspect is a military-trained firearms instructor who had recently been committed to a mental health facility for two weeks this past summer.

According to the bulletin, the suspect had threatened to perpetrate a shooting at a military base in Saco, Maine. The bulletin also says the suspect had said he’d heard voices.

Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

At Thursday’s press conference, Col. William Ross of the Maine State Police encouraged people who come into contact with the suspect or anyone resembling him to call 911.

source: people.com