Androscoggin County Sheriff’s Office Releases Images of Suspect Entering Bowling Alley
In a devastating turn of events, the city of Lewiston, Maine, witnessed a horrific mass shooting on Wednesday evening, leaving at least 22 people dead and countless more injured. The incident unfolded across multiple locations, including a local bowling alley and a restaurant and bar, overwhelming the area’s hospitals with gunshot victims.
City Councilor Robert McCarthy informed CNN of the rising death toll, confirming 22 fatalities and many additional injuries. Emergency response teams from central Maine rushed to the scene to tend to the wounded, while local hospitals summoned all available off-duty staff to manage the influx of victims.
Amidst a state dinner honoring Australia’s prime minister, President Joe Biden reached out to Maine’s governor, both senators, and a local congressman, extending federal support in the face of this tragedy.
Lewiston’s law enforcement posted a photo of the suspected shooter carrying what appeared to be a semi-automatic weapon inside the bowling alley. Authorities subsequently issued an alert for 40-year-old Robert Card, emphasizing that he should be considered armed and dangerous. The public has been urged to contact law enforcement with any information on his whereabouts.
The police also released an image of a white SUV, seeking assistance from the community to identify the vehicle, as its front bumper may have been painted black.
The Androscoggin County Sheriff’s Department announced that they are investigating two active shooter events, urging businesses to lock down or close while the investigation is ongoing, as the suspect remains at large.
Maine Governor Janet Mills confirmed her awareness of the situation and was briefed on the active shooter situation in Lewiston.
CNN reported that a significant number of individuals, estimated at 50 to 60, sustained injuries during the incidents, citing multiple law enforcement sources. However, the exact breakdown of these injuries, particularly those related to gunfire, remains unclear.
The tragic events began with an active shooter report at the Sparetime Recreation bowling alley at around 7:15 pm local time, followed by another shooting at the Schemengees Bar & Grille, as reported by the Sun Journal. A subsequent shooting at a local Walmart distribution center was reported at 8:15 pm.
Local Representative’s Heartfelt Response
Maine Congressman Jared Golden expressed his deep sorrow, stating, “Like all Mainers, I’m horrified by the events in Lewiston tonight. This is my hometown.” He emphasized the importance of local law enforcement taking control of the situation and gathering information, while expressing sympathy for those affected.
Community in Mourning
Distraught citizens flocked to local hospitals, with one local resident, Cynthia Hunter, conveying her feelings of being overwhelmed and her attempts to provide comfort and support to the victims and their families.
This tragic incident marks one of the deadliest mass shootings since the 2017 Las Vegas music festival shooting, where approximately 60 people lost their lives.
A Nation Grappling With Gun Violence
Gun violence continues to plague the United States, where the prevalence of firearms is a contentious issue. The country has witnessed over 500 mass shootings in the current year alone, as defined by the Gun Violence Archive – an organization that classifies a mass shooting as an incident resulting in the injury or death of four or more individuals.
Efforts to enact stricter gun control measures face staunch resistance from those who champion the constitutional right to bear arms, underscoring the ongoing challenge in addressing this critical issue despite widespread public outcry.
Lewiston, Maine Police Share Photo of Vehicle Linked to Active Shooter Incident
