Update on the Lewiston, Maine Mass Shooting

On a fateful Wednesday night, Lewiston, Maine, witnessed a tragic incident that has shaken the community. A man, identified as Robert Card, 40, unleashed a devastating attack, resulting in the fatal shooting of at least 16 people at two separate locations: Schemengees Bar and Grille and Sparetime Recreation, a nearby bowling alley. This horrifying event has prompted a massive manhunt for Card, who is not only the perpetrator but also a trained firearms instructor with connections to the Army Reserve and a training facility in Saco, Maine.

The situation quickly escalated, leading local authorities to issue urgent safety advisories. Residents were urged to stay indoors, and several schools took the precautionary measure of closing their doors on the following Thursday. The magnitude of this incident is staggering, marking the 36th mass killing in the United States this year, as reported by The Big Big News and USA Today in collaboration with Northeastern University. This database meticulously records mass killings involving four or more victims, excluding the perpetrator, within a 24-hour timeframe, dating back to 2006.

A Closer Look at the Suspect

Robert Card’s profile is troubling, to say the least. Aside from his background as a firearms instructor, it has been revealed that he spent two weeks in a mental health facility during the summer of 2023. Although the specific details of his treatment and condition remain undisclosed, Card’s history includes reports of “hearing voices and threats to shoot up” the military base. These alarming indicators raise questions about the adequacy of mental health support and firearm access.

The Androscoggin County Sheriff’s Office has released photos of the suspect, captured on surveillance cameras, depicting him entering an establishment with a weapon raised to his shoulder. These images serve as a crucial part of the ongoing investigation.

Locations and Impact

The locations of the shooting, Schemengees Bar and Grille and Sparetime Recreation, are pivotal to understanding the gravity of the situation. Schemengees, a local establishment, and the nearby bowling alley were the scenes of this tragedy, where unsuspecting patrons, including parents and children participating in a children’s bowling league, became victims of this senseless violence.

Lewiston itself, as Maine’s second-largest city with a population of 37,000, has a history intertwined with immigration, particularly from the Somali community. The diversity that has emerged as a result of this immigration has transformed Lewiston into one of the most culturally diverse cities in northern New England.

Maine, known for its traditions of hunting and sport shooting, has a culture of gun ownership deeply embedded in its heritage. Notably, the state does not require permits to carry firearms, a topic that will undoubtedly come under scrutiny in the aftermath of this tragedy.

The Aftermath and Community Response

In response to the unfolding situation, an advisory for residents to shelter in place was issued for Androscoggin County, expanding to include Bowdoin in Sagadahoc County. The discovery of a “vehicle of interest” in Lisbon, about 8 miles away from Lewiston, heightened concerns for public safety.

Central Maine Healthcare made the difficult decision to close all physician offices in Lewiston and six surrounding communities for the day. Additionally, all elective surgeries at Central Maine Medical Center were canceled as a precaution.

The impact of this tragedy rippled across educational institutions as well. Multiple schools in various communities, including Kennebunk, Bowdoin colleges, and the University of Southern Maine’s Gorham and Portland campuses, canceled classes, reflecting the widespread shock and grief that has enveloped the region.

As Lewiston and its neighboring communities grapple with the aftermath of this devastating event, the nation watches, united in mourning for the lives lost and in hope for a future where such senseless violence is prevented.

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More about Mass Shooting Update

• [The Big Big News and USA Today Mass Shooting Database](Link to the database)
• [Lewiston, Maine](Link to Lewiston, Maine information)
• [Somali population in Lewiston](Link to Somali population in Lewiston)
• [Maine gun ownership regulations](Link to Maine gun ownership regulations)