In a horrifying act of violence that shook the nation, a mass shooting in Lewiston, Maine has left at least 18 people dead and prompted a large-scale manhunt for the suspect. Robert Card, the accused gunman, remains at large as hundreds of law enforcement officers continue their search.
The shooting took place in Lewiston, Maine’s second-largest city with a population of around 37,000. Authorities have issued an arrest warrant for Card on eight counts of murder, as only eight of the 18 victims have been identified thus far, according to Maine State Police.
The tragic events unfolded on Wednesday evening when the gunman opened fire at two different public places. The first location was Schemengees Bar and Grille, where manager Joseph “Joey” Walker lost his life. His father, Leroy Walker Sr., was among the many families waiting at the hospital for news. “It was awful to see the families sitting there. None of them knew nothing, just like me, they knew nothing,” Leroy Walker said. In a heartbreaking account, he shared that his son died a hero, having confronted the gunman with a butcher knife. “My kid was a super kid with people,” he added.
Robert Card Lewiston Maine Mass Shooting Suspect
The second location targeted by the gunman was the Just-in-Time Recreation bowling alley, where a youth night event was in progress. The shocking incident has left the communities in both Lewiston and Lisbon, where Card’s SUV was found, on high alert. Residents have been advised to shelter in place for the second day in a row, and schools in both cities will remain closed on Friday.
As the search for Card continues, police have carried out search warrants in Bowdoin, the town east of Lewiston where he lived. Authorities used loudspeakers during the search warrant executions, which a spokesperson for the Maine State Police stated was routine in such situations.
In this image taken from video released by the Androscoggin County Sheriff’s Office, an unidentified gunman points a gun while entering Sparetime Recreation in Lewiston, Maine, on Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2023. Maine State Police ordered residents in the state’s second-largest city to shelter in place Wednesday night as the suspect remains at large. (Androscoggin County Sheriff’s Office via AP)
This latest instance of public place gunfire comes as a painful reminder of the ongoing challenge America faces with mass shootings. The nation is once again left grappling with the devastating loss of innocent lives and the urgent need to address this crisis.
According to NBC News, the investigation and manhunt for Robert Card are ongoing, with law enforcement officers diligently working to bring him to justice.
