Tragic US Shooting Incident in Lewiston, Maine
In a heartbreaking incident, Lewiston, Maine, was marred by a series of shootings on Wednesday, October 25, 2023, resulting in the loss of at least 22 lives. The assailant remains at large, leaving the community in shock and mourning.
The shooting rampage unfolded across different locations, including a bowling alley, a local bar, and a Walmart distribution center, around 7 p.m. local time. Over 50 to 60 individuals were reported injured, although it remains unclear how many sustained injuries directly from gunfire.
Law enforcement agencies swiftly responded to the crisis, with the Lewiston Police Department identifying a 40-year-old man named Robert Card as a person of interest connected to the shootings. Authorities have urged the public to consider Card armed and dangerous. It's worth noting that Card has received training as a firearms instructor at a US Army Reserve training facility within the state.
In response to the ongoing threat, the police have advised residents to remain inside their homes, and local businesses have been requested to lock down or close as the suspect remains at large. The situation is fluid and continues to evolve, with multiple agencies involved in the manhunt for the shooter.
Emergency services were initially alerted to the presence of an active shooter at a bowling alley in Lewiston around 7:15 p.m. local time. Disturbingly, similar incidents were reported at a local bar and a Walmart distribution center, escalating the scale of the tragedy.
This tragedy marks the deadliest mass shooting in the United States since May 2022, when a gunman opened fire at an elementary school in Texas' Uvalde, claiming the lives of 19 children and two teachers. This alarming trend of mass shootings has surged since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, with at least 647 such incidents reported in 2022, according to data from the Gun Violence Archive.
The city is grappling with the devastating consequences of this act of violence as authorities and emergency responders work diligently to treat the injured and locate the shooter. A reunification center has been established at Auburn Middle School, located at 38 Falcon Drive in Auburn, for those seeking information about their loved ones. Local hospitals, such as St. Mary’s Health System in Lewiston, have activated their emergency response plans, mobilizing additional staff to care for victims. Non-urgent procedures at the hospital have been canceled to prioritize the care of the shooting victims.
Maine's Public Safety Commissioner has stated that hundreds of law enforcement officers are involved in the search for Robert Card in Lewiston. The public's assistance is crucial in identifying and locating the individual responsible for this devastating act.
The President of the United States, Joe Biden, has reached out to several Maine lawmakers, including Governor Janet Mills, Senators Angus King and Susan Collins, and Congressman Jared Golden, offering federal support and assistance in the wake of this tragic attack.
This devastating event has left the community in shock and mourning, with local leaders and officials expressing their condolences and support for the affected families. Lewiston City councilor Robert McCarthy described the incident as “a real scary event” and emphasized the importance of staying vigilant and cautious while awaiting news of the shooter's capture.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims and their families as the community of Lewiston comes together to cope with this horrific tragedy.
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