Gunman Opens Fire at Two Locations in Lewiston, Maine, Killing 22 and Injuring 50
Tragedy struck in Maine’s bustling city of Lewiston, where a series of shootings unfolded, leaving 22 innocent lives lost and over 50 people wounded.
The entire nation is reeling from this devastating incident, and the perpetrator is still on the loose.
Reports indicate that these horrifying shootings occurred at three different locations: a bowling alley, a restaurant, and initially, it was believed, a Walmart distribution center.
However, Walmart has since clarified that there was no shooting at their facility, which was promptly secured and searched by law enforcement.
At approximately 6:56 pm local time, police, fire, and rescue teams swiftly responded to the scenes of these tragic events.
The exact number of casualties is yet to be officially confirmed, but City Councilor Robert McCarthy sadly shared that 22 lives have been lost, relaying this heartbreaking information from a city administrator via text message.
So, what exactly transpired on that fateful night? A lone gunman unleashed havoc at two public establishments in Lewiston: Sparetime Recreation on Mollison Way and Schemengees Bar & Grille Restaurant on Lincoln Street.
The suddenness of these senseless acts has left the community in shock and disbelief.
Melinda Small, owner of Legends Sports Bar and Grill located nearby, recounted the immediate response of her staff upon hearing about the shootings.
They swiftly secured their doors and ushered all 25 customers and employees away from any potential harm.
The police arrived promptly, guiding everyone out of the premises in small groups. Small expressed her gratitude for the safety of her team while also expressing deep sorrow for the community’s pain, feeling a sense of numbness in the face of this tragedy.
Authorities swiftly identified the suspect as Robert Card, labeling it an active shooter situation. They released images of Card and the car he is believed to have used during the shootings.
In the photos, Card can be seen wearing a long-sleeved shirt and jeans, sporting a beard, and ominously holding a rifle in a firing position.
Disturbingly, Card is a trained firearms instructor with a military background and had recently spent time in a mental health facility.
According to a bulletin from the Maine Information & Analysis Center, Card had undergone firearms training at a US Army Reserve facility in Maine.
The document also revealed that he had been committed to a mental health facility for two weeks in the summer of 2023 but was subsequently released.
Troublingly, Card had reportedly made threats regarding a shooting at a military training base in Saco, Maine, and had mentioned hearing voices.
Law enforcement has issued a warning, urging the public to exercise extreme caution as Card is considered armed and dangerous. Authorities believe he used a white Subaru Outback to travel between the different shooting locations.
Maine State Police took to social media, alerting residents that the shooter is still at large. They advised people to seek shelter and remain indoors with locked doors.
Multiple investigations are currently underway, and any suspicious activities or individuals should be reported immediately to 911.
Governor Janet Mills has been fully briefed on the situation and is closely coordinating with local authorities. She implores all residents in the affected area to follow the guidance of law enforcement.
President Joe Biden has also been briefed and is receiving regular updates.
The White House expressed the president’s condolences and offered federal support to Maine Governor Janet Mills and other local representatives during this tragic time.
Our hearts go out to the victims and their families, and the entire nation stands united in solidarity with the community of Lewiston as they navigate this unimaginable loss.
