16 lives lost in Lewiston, Maine Grapples tragedy, authorities seek 'person of interest' after dual shootingson Wednesday evening, Maine Gov. Janet Mills said.
Hours after the shooting, the deadliest of the year and one of the deadliest in recent decades, the gunman remains on the loose. Hundreds of police are searching for a suspect as communities remain under shelter-in-place orders.
The evening of Wednesday in Lewiston, Maine, took a devastating turn as a shooter unleashed a horrific attack on two local establishments, leaving a trail of destruction and trauma in their wake.
The incident has sent shockwaves through the community, resulting in numerous casualties and an intense manhunt for the perpetrator.
Around 7 p.m. ET, a hail of gunfire shattered the peaceful evening. The locations targeted by the shooter were Sparetime Recreation, a local bowling alley on Mollison Way, and Schemengees Bar & Grille Restaurant on Lincoln Street.
Panic and chaos quickly ensued as patrons and employees at these establishments found themselves in the midst of a nightmare.
Eyewitnesses described a scene of terror and desperation. Many sought refuge by hiding behind tables, benches, and even inside the machinery of the bowling alley.
The situation turned into a life-and-death struggle for those present, and they did their best to protect themselves and others.
One mother, Meghan Hutchinson, described her horrifying encounter with the shooter. She described the moment she saw the assailant and how she had to hide to protect both herself and her daughter, Zoey Levesque, who had received a bullet wound.
The trauma of the experience left Zoey with haunting questions about the motives of the shooter.
The Lewiston Police Department released this image of a vehicle connected to the shootings. Lewiston Maine Police Department Law enforcement officials have identified Robert Card, a 40-year-old resident of Bowdoin, as a person of interest in this shocking incident.
Card is described as armed and dangerous, and authorities have launched a massive manhunt to locate and apprehend him. Disturbingly, Card is a certified firearms instructor and a member of the US Army Reserve.
Card had reportedly made threats of violence in the past, including discussing a shooting at a National Guard facility in Saco, Maine.
Furthermore, he had a history of mental health issues, which included hearing voices. This complex background raises numerous questions about the motive behind the tragic attack.
The entire community of Lewiston was in a state of fear as the shootings' news spread. Residents were urged to remain indoors, with shelter-in-place orders in effect for both Lewiston and the nearby town of Lisbon.
Law enforcement officials have issued a strong call for vigilance and cooperation from the public to aid in the ongoing manhunt.
Authorities in Maine are working tirelessly to bring the situation under control and bring the responsible party to justice.
A "vehicle of interest" was discovered in Lisbon, a crucial development in the ongoing investigation. Local and state police, along with the FBI, have been coordinating their efforts to address the crisis and support the affected community.
This incident in Lewiston, Maine, has garnered national attention, and it serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges posed by gun violence in the United States.
It is particularly disheartening that this event is already the deadliest mass shooting of the year, adding to a troubling pattern of violence in the country.
“„I urge all people in the area to follow the direction of State and local enforcement. I will to continue to monitor the situation and remain in close contact with public safety officials.- Maine Gov. Janet Mills
In the aftermath of this terrible event, the community of Lewiston has shown strength and solidarity. Leaders like Mayor Carl Sheline have called upon the city's resilience to overcome this tragedy.
The people of Lewiston are rallying together, offering support to one another, and determined to heal from the wounds inflicted by this shocking act of violence.
As the nation mourns and awaits the capture of the shooter, the heartbreak and devastation of this night in Lewiston serve as a somber reminder of the urgent need to address the issue of gun violence in America.
In the wake of this horrific event in Lewiston, Maine, our hearts go out to the victims and their families. This tragic incident underscores the pressing need for action against gun violence in the United States.
The community of Lewiston has displayed remarkable resilience and unity in the face of this terrible tragedy, and the nation stands in solidarity with them.
As the manhunt continues for the shooter, may justice be served, and may we find a way to prevent such devastating events from happening in the future.