Gun Man On the Loose After Mass Shooting Killing 16 People and Injuring Dozens
By Extra-Ordinary Women
In a devastating incident that unfolded on Wednesday night in Lewiston, Maine, at least 16 people have lost their lives, and many others have sustained injuries in two separate shooting incidents. The community is in shock and mourning as law enforcement launches a manhunt for a person of interest, Robert Card, who is considered armed and dangerous.
Maine Department of Public Safety Commissioner Mike Sauschuck identified Robert Card, aged 40, of Bowdoin, as the person of interest in this horrifying event. Card, a certified firearms instructor and a member of the US Army Reserve, had recently made threats related to a National Guard facility in Saco, Maine. Officials also disclosed that he had reported mental health issues, including hearing voices.
During a news conference, Commissioner Sauschuck declined to provide further details about Card, stating, “We’re not prepared to go into (Card’s) background.”
Dozens of individuals were injured during the shootings, although the exact number of those hurt due to gunfire remains unclear, according to law enforcement sources.
The shootings occurred around 7 p.m. ET and were reported at two different locations: Sparetime Recreation, a bowling alley on Mollison Way, and Schemengees Bar & Grille Restaurant on Lincoln Street, both in Lewiston. In response, the Androscoggin County Sheriff’s Office urged all businesses to lock down or close as they initiated their investigation.
Images of a “suspect for identification” were released by the sheriff’s office, depicting an individual holding a high-powered assault-style rifle.
A “vehicle of interest” was discovered in Lisbon, according to Commissioner Sauschuck. Earlier, Lewiston police had been searching for a vehicle and shared an image of what appeared to be a small, white SUV with a front bumper believed to be painted black. Maine State Police later confirmed that the image was indeed of the suspect’s car.
Lewiston, the state’s second-largest city, is located approximately 36 miles north of Portland. State police urged residents to stay inside their homes with doors locked and to report any suspicious activity or individuals by calling 911.
The nearby city of Auburn also issued a strong recommendation for residents to shelter in place due to the ongoing active shooter situation.
In response to the tragedy, the FBI’s Boston division announced its coordination with law enforcement partners in Maine and its readiness to provide any necessary resources. They also urged the public to remain vigilant.
Maine Governor Janet Mills expressed her condolences and urged residents to follow the guidance of state and local law enforcement. She pledged to monitor the situation closely and remain in contact with public safety officials via her Facebook statement.
