LEWISTON, Maine. A massive manhunt is underway for a U.S. Army reservist, Robert Card, accused of killing 18 people and injuring 13 in a mass shooting at a bowling alley and bar in Lewiston, Maine. The shocking incident left residents in lockdown and sent ripples of fear across the state.
Authorities are scouring forests, waterways, and towns to locate the armed and dangerous suspect. President Joe Biden has ordered U.S. flags to fly at half-staff in a show of condolences, and the tragedy has drawn messages of support from across the nation, including from renowned Maine native and author Stephen King.
The incident is a grim contrast to Maine’s typically low homicide rate, with only 29 killings in the entire year of 2022. The attack took place at Sparetime Recreation, where a children’s bowling league was practicing, and later at Schemengees Bar and Grille. Panic and chaos ensued as patrons sought shelter and safety.
The suspect, Robert Card, underwent a mental health evaluation in July after displaying erratic behavior during training. Despite a massive manhunt, there have been no reported sightings of Card since the shootings. Law enforcement agencies are urging the public not to approach him.
Schools, healthcare facilities, and businesses within a 50-mile radius of the crime scenes have closed, and residents are staying behind locked doors. Even the Canada Border Services Agency has issued an “armed and dangerous” alert along the Canada-U.S. border.
Maine Governor Janet Mills has pledged to do whatever it takes to bring Card to justice and ensure accountability for the victims and their families. Eight murder warrants have been issued for Card, with more expected as additional victim names are confirmed.
As the nation mourns and the manhunt continues, the tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenge of gun violence in the United States.
AP contributed to this story.
Gary P Hernal started college at UP Diliman and received his BA in Economics from San Sebastian College, Manila, and Masters in Information Systems Management from Keller Graduate School of Management of DeVry University in Oak Brook, IL. He has 25 years of copy editing and management experience at Thomson West, a subsidiary of Thomson Reuters.
