On October 25, 2023, the peaceful city of Lewiston, Maine, was marred by a tragic mass shooting that occurred at two separate locations, shaking the entire community to its core.
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In the wake of this devastating incident, we seek to provide a comprehensive overview of what we know so far, shedding light on the events that unfolded, the victims, and the ongoing manhunt for the person of interest, Robert Card.
The Shootings
The nightmare began at approximately 7:15 p.m. EDT, when authorities received reports of an active shooter at Sparetime Recreation, a family-friendly establishment that combines a restaurant and a bowling alley. Just moments later, a second shooting was reported at Schemengees Bar & Grille Restaurant.
These back-to-back attacks sent shockwaves through the city, leaving countless lives forever changed. While gunshots were also reported at a Walmart distribution center in the vicinity, it was later confirmed that a shooting did not occur there, according to the company.
The Androscoggin County Sheriff’s Office and the Maine State Police responded swiftly, alerting residents to the presence of an active shooter at approximately 8:00 p.m. The sheriff’s office released images of the shooter, who was seen wielding a “high-powered assault-style rifle.” The sheer horror and chaos of the situation demanded a coordinated response from law enforcement, medical personnel, and the community at large.
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Victims and Injuries
Initial reports painted a grim picture, with at least 22 people reported killed and 50–60 individuals injured in the wake of the shootings. However, later sources clarified that the death toll stood between 15 and 20 victims, with 50 individuals sustaining injuries.
It is important to note that not all of the injured were gunshot victims; some were injured as they scrambled to escape the terrifying ordeal.
The community rallied to provide support, and local hospitals, including the Central Maine Medical Center and Maine Medical Center, played a crucial role in treating the wounded.
Person of Interest: Robert Card
A pivotal development in the case was the identification of a person of interest named Robert Card.
It is crucial to underline that, at this stage, Robert Card is not being labeled a suspect, but law enforcement authorities consider him “armed and dangerous.”
Pictures of the person of interest, described as a white male, were released by the Sheriff’s Office, along with information about a white 2013 Subaru Outback that has been connected to the shootings.
A state police bulletin provided further insights into Robert Card, revealing that he is a firearms instructor with military training and was recently committed to a mental health facility.
These details have added complexity to the ongoing investigation, raising questions about Card’s mental state and the possible motivations behind the horrific events that unfolded in Lewiston.
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