A mass shooting has struck the heart of a community, leaving devastation and shock in its wake. On Wednesday night, Lewiston, Maine, experienced an unimaginable tragedy as a restaurant and a bowling alley became the scenes of violence and loss.
Maine’s governor says 18 people were killed and 13 were injured in shootings in Maine. Gov. Janet Mills made the remarks at a press conference Thursday.
The main suspect behind these tragic incidents is Robert Card, a 41-year-old retired military officer. In this article, we will delve into the details surrounding the shootings, Card’s background, and the ongoing investigation.
The Suspect: Robert Card
A twice-divorced father of three, Robert Card emerged as the prime suspect in the Lewiston shootings. With a history of arrests for domestic violence and other crimes, Card was no stranger to law enforcement.
His troubled past, which included a restraining order that one of his ex-wives obtained, raised questions about his potential for violence.
The Shootings Unfold
The first reports of the shootings came in around 8 P.M. local time, sending shockwaves through the city. Multiple locations were targeted, including Schemengees Bar and Grille, Sparetime Recreation bowling alley, and the local Walmart.
The exact death toll remains uncertain, with initial reports indicating between 10 and 16 fatalities and up to 50 individuals injured. The community was left grappling with the aftermath of this senseless violence.
Escaping Justice
As the chaos unfolded, Robert Card managed to elude capture, leaving the authorities with a challenging task. Conflicting reports emerged regarding the suspect’s getaway vehicle.
Some sources mentioned a Honda Civic, while others pointed to a Subaru Outback.
The uncertainty surrounding Card’s whereabouts heightened the urgency of the investigation, prompting the local police and the Maine Department of Public Safety to issue a lockdown advisory for residents.
“Law Enforcement is attempting to locate Robert Card 4/4/1983, as a person of interest regarding the mass shooting at Schemengees Bar and Sparetime Recreation this evening,” the Lewiston Police Department posted on Facebook. “CARD should be considered armed and dangerous. Please contact law enforcement if you are aware of his whereabouts.”
“The FBI Boston Division continues to coordinate with our local, state and federal law enforcement partners in Maine and we stand ready to assist with any available resources they need, including evidence response, investigative and tactical support, as well as victim assistance,” the FBI said in a statement. “We continue to urge the public to remain vigilant and report any and all suspicious activity and/or individuals to law enforcement immediately. As this situation is still very fluid, we have no further comment at this time and will refer you to the Maine State Police.”
A Troubled Mind: Robert Card’s Mental Health
Card’s troubled mental state, combined with his military training, raised concerns about his potential for violence. Recent intelligence documents revealed that Card had undergone mental health treatment and had spent two weeks in a mental health facility during the summer.
Although specific details of his treatment were not disclosed, the documents outlined his history of hearing voices and previous threats to carry out a shooting at a military training base in Saco, Maine.
This information sent shockwaves through the law enforcement community, propelling them to deploy hundreds of officers in pursuit of Card.
The Ongoing Investigation
The Maine Department of Public Safety, in collaboration with local law enforcement agencies, is actively investigating the shootings and pursuing leads to apprehend Robert Card.
Shanon Moss, spokesperson for the Maine Department of Public Safety, confirmed that police are focusing their efforts on two specific locations. As the investigation unfolds, the community remains on high alert, hopeful for a swift resolution to this tragic event.
The Impact on the Community
The shootings in Lewiston have left an indelible mark on the community. Residents are grappling with grief, fear, and a sense of vulnerability. In the wake of this tragedy, community leaders, mental health professionals, and law enforcement agencies are joining forces to support and heal those affected.
The outpouring of support from neighboring towns and cities is a testament to the strength and resilience of the community in the face of adversity.
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