Manhunt Underway for Army Reservist in Connection with Maine Massacre; Community Gripped by Fear

Authorities have initiated an extensive search operation across multiple states, both on land and waterways, to locate Robert Card, a U.S. Army reservist alleged to be the perpetrator of a mass shooting. The violent incident took place at a bowling alley and bar in Lewiston, Maine, claiming 18 lives and leaving 13 others injured. The event has prompted widespread community fear and lockdowns as far as 50 miles away from the crime scenes.

In a solemn gesture, President Joe Biden has commanded that all U.S. flags be flown at half-mast. Commiserations have flooded in nationally and locally, including from Maine-born author Stephen King, who described the act as “insanity.” Maine, a state of merely 1.3 million residents, boasts one of the lowest homicide rates in the nation, making this shocking event all the more bewildering.

Officials have cautioned the public against approaching Card, who is considered armed and dangerous. Previously, Card had undergone mental health assessment in mid-July for exhibiting erratic behavior during military training, according to a U.S. government source who spoke to The Big Big News. Since the incident, authorities have not received any credible sightings of Card.

The Androscoggin County Sheriff’s Office has publicized two photographs showing Card entering the bowling alley with a rifle hoisted over his shoulder. Eight arrest warrants have already been issued in Card’s name after identifying some of the deceased, with ten more warrants expected soon, according to Maine State Police Col. William Ross.

Among the wounded, Central Maine Medical Center officials confirmed that three are in critical condition, and five are stable but remain hospitalized.

The initial phase of the attack was launched at Sparetime Recreation, a bowling alley that was hosting a children’s league at the time. Witnesses describe hearing multiple gunshots, initially mistaking them for less-threatening sounds like balloons popping.

In less than a quarter of an hour, emergency calls were received from Schemengees Bar and Grille, where an industry discount night was in progress. Patrick Poulin, a community member with personal ties to the bowling community, shared the devastating impact the event had on him and those he knows.

Local residents have reported an atmosphere of terror and uncertainty. April Stevens, a resident of the affected neighborhood, expressed her apprehension and stated that she and her husband have chosen to stay at home and secure their residence.

In a coordinated effort, authorities, including the Coast Guard, have been combing areas near the Kennebec and Androscoggin Rivers. Although Card’s vehicle was found near a boat launch connecting the rivers, his 15-foot boat is yet to be located.

The Canada Border Services Agency has also been alerted, heightening security measures along the Canada-U.S. border. Previously, Card had been institutionalized for mental health concerns, and had allegedly mentioned shooting up a military base.

This harrowing incident marks the 36th mass killing in the U.S. this year, according to a database jointly maintained by The Big Big News, USA Today, and Northeastern University. Maine’s lax gun laws and prevalent gun-owning culture have been cited by some as contributing factors to the tragedy.

The impact of the event resonates deeply among affected families and communities, stirring conversations around gun control and mental health initiatives in the United States.

Contributions to this report were made by Big Big News journalists Patrick Whittle in Portland, Maine; Darlene Superville and Lolita Baldor in Washington, D.C.; Michael Casey in Boston; and Kathy McCormack in Concord, New Hampshire.

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