Just how the night changes– from a lovely outing with family to losing them in a matter of few hours. However, it wasn’t lost lives; they were stolen by an unhinged armed man in mass shootings.
On Wednesday, October 25, 2023, two mass shootings wreaked terror in the city of Lewiston, Maine– one at Sparetime Recreation, a bowling alley on Mollison Way, and the other at Schemengees Bar & Grille Restaurant on Lincoln Street. The brutal shootings have claimed at least 22 lives and gravely wounded around 80 people.
The suspect is identified as 40-year-old Robert R. Card, of Bowdoin, Maine, as a person of interest. A manhunt for the Ex-US army reservist is in full force as the suspect is still on the run.
What Happened in Lewiston, Maine?
The calm evening on a Wednesday saw people enjoying the cozy weather of Lewiston city.
But the aura shifted as something sinister occurred at two locations of the second-most populated city of the U.S. State of Maine. At first, no one could figure out a series of ambulances and police vans scurrying through the streets.
The news broke out later that an armed man was at large, and the police were hunting for him. What so worse could have happened that wreaked havoc in the serene evening?
At around 6:56 p.m. ET, the first shootings began at Sparetime Recreation, a bowling alley on Mollison Way. The CCTV footage shows a man operating an automatic firearm as he enters the alley and starts shooting everyone in sight.
But that did not stop his mania, as the second shooting happened at the Schemengees Bar & Grille Restaurant on Lincoln Street. The fine dining restaurant is known for its exquisite cuisine and an arcade area, including 10 pool tables, 14 dart boards, and dozens of TVs.
People, including children and elderly folks, were running for their lives, which could have caused a stampede as well. Nevertheless, while the majority could escape, a considerable number of people were killed and more wounded in the open fire.
The two shootings were a rude awakening for Lewiston, as the entire city was on high alert for an armed suspect on the run.
At least 22 people were reported dead, and around 80 people were sent to emergency medical care for critical wounds.
Who Is the Maine Shooter, Robert Card?
The CCTV footage at both locations was sufficient evidence to identify the person of interest.
Lewiston Police Department revealed the suspect to be 40-year-old Robert R. Card, who resides in Bowdoin, Maine.
According to the reports from the Bulletin, here are a few bullet points on Card’s identity–
- Robert Card carried a semi-automatic weapon for the mass shooting.
- Sources stated that he was able to access the weaponry since he is a certified firearms instructor.
- Some reports also suggest that Card is a member of the U.S. Army Reserve.
- Over this summer, Robert Card was committed to a mental health facility for two weeks for deteriorating instability.
- He has also reportedly been hearing voices in his head.
Authorities have declared Card “armed and dangerous,” asking people to maintain immense caution and not approach the man. Lewiston police announced in a Facebook post–
“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.”
“Card should be considered armed and dangerous. Please contact law enforcement if you are aware of his whereabouts.”
The police are on high alert for the suspect.
Hence, by Thursday midnight, the Maine Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) announced to the Lewiston community to exercise “Shelter-in-place,” which also includes the town of Lisbon.
What is your take on the Nth mass shooting in one of the deadliest attacks in Maine? Do you agree that gun control laws need to be revised urgently?
What policies should the government implement to stop these shootings? Let us know in the comments section below.
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