US President arrives in Maine to meet with families and first responders following a mass shooting that claimed the lives of 18 individuals.
The tragic attack took place at a bowling alley and bar in the town of Lewiston on October 25th, marking the deadliest shooting in Maine’s history.
An additional 13 individuals were injured during the incident.
In response to the shooting, President Biden has reiterated his call for a ban on assault weapons and stricter gun control measures.
Stefanie Feldman, the director of the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention, issued a statement expressing the challenges facing the community in recovering from the attack.
“President Biden is fully committed to providing support and resources from the federal government to assist Lewiston throughout the recovery process,” Ms. Feldman added.
The shooting, carried out by a 40-year-old army reservist, has shaken the typically peaceful and picturesque town of Lewiston.
The incident began at Just-In-Time Recreation, a venue that hosts bowling leagues for both youths and adults, before the perpetrator proceeded to Schemengees Bar & Grille, which was hosting a cornhole tournament at the time.
The victims of this senseless act of violence include a grandfather, a promising young bowler, and four members of a deaf cornhole team.
According to local resident Sean Gosselin, the town of Lewiston is slowly regaining a sense of normalcy and finding solace in coming together as a community.
As an example, Mr. Gosselin mentioned how many residents gathered to support their local high school’s football team, the Lewiston Blue Devils, as they faced off against rivals from the neighboring town of Auburn.
“This symbolizes the resilience and determination of our community. It was a powerful and emotional moment, showcasing our ability to move forward while still honoring the victims of this heinous crime,” he said.
The shooting incident, which is the most devastating in the United States thus far this year, nearly matches Maine’s total homicide count for 2022. The perpetrator, Robert Card, was found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound a few days after the murders.
In the aftermath of the shooting, President Biden made a statement urging Republican lawmakers to pass legislation banning assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, enforcing universal background checks, and ending liability immunity for gun manufacturers.
“We owe every American who has been scarred – physically and mentally – by this recent attack, the very least of our support,” he remarked.
Maine officials have been grappling with the question of how the shooter was able to legally obtain firearms despite warnings from his Army Reserve unit regarding his mental health concerns.
As early as May, family members had alerted authorities to his erratic behavior, paranoia, and potential danger. In July, the Army explicitly stated that he should not possess weapons, handle ammunition, or participate in live fire activities.
Two months later, concerns from a fellow soldier about his potential for a mass shooting prompted authorities to investigate him twice. Law enforcement was subsequently alerted.
In September, a search for Card was initiated when sheriff’s deputies were unable to locate him after multiple visits. However, the search was called off on October 18th, just a week before the shooting took place.
Janet Mills, the Democratic Governor of Maine, expressed her gratitude for President Biden’s unwavering support for the state in the wake of the shooting.
“Through their visit during our time of need, the President and First Lady demonstrate that the entire nation stands in solidarity with Lewiston and Maine. I’m deeply appreciative for their presence,” she stated.
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