On Wednesday night, the city of Lewiston, Maine, was struck by chaos when an armed gunman unleashed a series of attacks across different locations. The shocking incident prompted immediate action from the police, who urged residents and local businesses to secure themselves.
Law enforcement officials in Maine later revealed that the person of interest in the shootings, which resulted in numerous casualties at a bar and a bowling alley in Lewiston, was a 40-year-old man named Robert Card.
Here’s what we know about Robert Card so far.
Who is Robert Card?
After identifying Robert Card as the person of interest, the sheriff’s office released public photos of him for identification. In the images, he can be seen wearing brown clothes and wielding a high-powered assault-style rifle.
The authorities also shared a picture of the vehicle linked to the investigation – a compact white SUV with a black-painted front bumper. The Maine State Police confirmed that this car belonged to the shooter.
As of 9pm local time on Wednesday evening, the shooter remained at large.
According to City councilor Robert McCarthy, the death toll currently stands at 22. He stated, “My understanding is that they have a tentative identification… of the shooter at the bowling alley, confirmed 22 dead, many, many more injured.”
John Miller, chief law enforcement and intelligence analyst for CNN, described the weapon used as an AR15-style rifle, potentially equipped with a telescopic sight. He noted that the gunman was wearing blue tactical pants with bulging pockets, suggesting he may have had extra ammunition.
Police have advised that the person of interest, Robert Card, should be considered armed and dangerous.
According to law enforcement reports, Card served as a firearms instructor in the US Army Reserve. He recently disclosed mental health issues, including auditory hallucinations and threats to carry out a shooting at the National Guard Base in Saco, as documented in a Maine law enforcement bulletin seen by the Associated Press.
In the summer of 2023, Card spent two weeks in a mental health facility. Additionally, a report by Macra revealed a history of domestic violence arrests and other criminal activity.
Where did the incidents occur?
Police, fire, and rescue personnel initially responded to reports of an active shooter at Sparetime Recreation on Mollison Way in Lewiston at around 7.15 pm local time, according to The Sun Journal, a local Maine newspaper.
Shortly after, there were online reports of another incident at a bar and restaurant called Schemengees on Lincoln Street.
Approximately an hour later, Lewiston public information officer Derrick St Laurent informed The Sun Journal that another shooting had occurred at the Walmart Distribution Center on Alfred A Plourde Parkway.
The Androscoggin County Sheriff’s office later released two pictures of the person of interest entering a bowling alley, confirming reports about the first location.
What happened in the immediate aftermath?
Online videos depicted a large presence of police vehicles in the area.
A message from the Maine State Police urged the public to take shelter: “There is an active shooter in Lewiston. We ask people to shelter in place. Please stay inside your home with the doors locked. Law enforcement is currently investigating at multiple locations.”
“If you see any suspicious activity or individuals, please call 911. Updates will follow.”
Lewiston Public Schools sent out a text message urging anyone near or at the school for conferences to find a safe place.
”We are going into lockdown. I will provide more information as it becomes available and appropriate,” read the alert.
Hundreds of police officers are searching for Robert Card, a person of interest in a mass shooting in Lewiston, Maine, that killed and injured several people. pic.twitter.com/2WdTigbewY
— The Associated Press (@AP) October 26, 2023
How many people have been shot?
The exact number of people shot has yet to be clarified. However, the Central Maine Medical Center stated that it was responding to a “mass casualty” event. Subsequently, officials confirmed that the death toll had risen to 22.
“Central Maine Medical Center is reacting to a mass casualty, mass shooter event. At this time, there are no specifics to share regarding the number of casualties,” stated the hospital in an online statement.
“Central Maine Healthcare is collaborating with nearby hospitals to accommodate patients.”
NBC News reported at least 22 fatalities.
ABC News, citing law enforcement sources briefed on the incident, mentioned that 16 people were killed and dozens more were injured.
CNN sources reported 16 fatalities and estimated that between 50 and 60 individuals sustained injuries.
How is Lewiston coping with the tragedy?
Local schools have announced the cancellation of classes on Thursday.
“There remains a lot of unknowns at this time. Information moves quickly but not always accurately. Please continue to shelter in place or get to safety. We will continue to update you with information and next steps as appropriate,” said Lewiston Public Schools.
“Stay close to your loved ones. Embrace them. Our prayers go out to those who lost someone tonight. Our prayers go out to all those working to stop further loss of life.”
The town offices in Lisbon, which neighbors Lewiston, will also be closed on Thursday, as reported.
