In an unprecedented incident that left the quiet town of Lewiston, Maine, in shock, at least 18 individuals were tragically killed, and 13 severely injured in a mass shooting that occurred on Wednesday evening. The manhunt for the suspect, identified as 40-year-old Robert Card, continues with communities on edge and authorities labeling him as "armed and extremely dangerous."
The horrific spree began at Just-In-Time Recreation, a popular bowling alley, where seven lives were lost. Moments later, Schemengees Bar and Grille, approximately four miles from the bowling alley, became the next target. Here, another eight victims lost their lives - seven inside and one outside the establishment. Tragically, three more succumbed to their injuries in hospital settings.
Authorities, while being swift in their response, have released limited details about the victims. Eight of the deceased have been formally identified, and Card currently faces an arrest warrant for those murders. However, as further identifications are made, the counts against him are expected to reach the total fatality count.
Dr. John Alexander, from Central Maine Medical Center, painted a grim picture of the aftermath. The facility is currently treating eight victims from the attacks - three of whom are battling life-threatening injuries while five remain stable.
Adding a further layer of complexity to the case, Army Spokesman Bryce Dubee confirmed that Card is affiliated with the U.S. Army Reserve as a Petroleum Supply Specialist. Reports indicate he had been committed to a mental health facility recently, raising questions about the support provided to military personnel and the intersection of mental health with tragic acts of violence.
Residents in surrounding areas, including Auburn and Bowdoin, have been cautioned to shelter in place while authorities widen the search radius. Lewiston police have tapped into the power of social media, releasing photos of Card and what they believe to be his getaway vehicle.
Eye-witness accounts have begun to trickle in, painting a harrowing picture. Nichoel Wyman Arel, who was returning from a Girl Scouts event with her daughter, described the traumatizing sight of people fleeing from the bowling alley. The gravity of the situation was not lost on her young daughter, who remarked about the frightening world they live in.
Lewiston, with a population of nearly 38,500 and home to Bates College, now faces the grim title of being the location of the 36th mass killing in the U.S. this year.
As local, state, and federal authorities intensify the manhunt, communities remain on high alert. The impact reverberated beyond just Lewiston. Neighboring cities took precautionary measures - from Portland shutting its public buildings to schools across various districts closing their doors. Higher education institutions like Bates, Bowdoin, and the University of Southern Maine also suspended classes.
In a gesture of national mourning, President Biden has ordered flags to be flown at half-staff until sunset on Monday.
Authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant and report any sightings or information that might lead to Card's capture. The incident stands as a stark reminder of the challenges the country faces concerning gun violence and mental health support.
