September, Friday 20, 2024

What we have learned thus far about the Maine mass shooting in Lewiston


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In the state of Maine, two shootings occurred, resulting in the deaths of 18 individuals. The gunman responsible for these attacks is still at large. The incidents took place at a bowling alley and a restaurant in Lewiston. Speaking about the tragic events, Governor Janet Mills expressed her sorrow, calling it a "dark day." A massive manhunt is currently underway, and Canadian border guards have been put on high alert to prevent the suspect from crossing into the country. The first shooting took place at Just-In-Time Recreation, a bowling alley, and resulted in the deaths of seven people. Shortly thereafter, a gunman opened fire at Schemengees Bar and Grille, a restaurant located four miles away, where eight people lost their lives. Three additional individuals later succumbed to their injuries at the hospital. The authorities published pictures of the suspect, urging businesses to lockdown. They also advised people to shelter in place. As the situation unfolded, the city of Auburn instructed its residents to stay indoors and lock their doors. The Lewiston Police Department later identified the suspected gunman as a "person of interest." At approximately midnight, a "vehicle of interest" was found in Lisbon, prompting authorities to issue a shelter-in-place order in that area as well. The police expanded this order to include the suspect's hometown of Bowdoin at 4:30 am. Although specific details about the victims have not been released, it has been confirmed that seven individuals were killed at the bowling alley. Witnesses recounted the presence of families during the shooting and the resulting panic. One mother, Riley Dumont, shielded her 11-year-old daughter by laying on top of her, while her own mother protected her. At the Schemengees Bar and Grille, eight males were killed, seven inside the restaurant and one outside. Currently, there are 10 unidentified victims. The suspect, Robert Card, is described as 5'11" tall and weighing 230 pounds. He is considered armed and dangerous, and a possible motive has not been disclosed. Card's last known address is Bowdoin, Maine, and he attended the University of Maine as an engineering student, although it is unclear if he graduated. He is enlisted in the US Army Reserve and has an active military ID, according to the Maine Department of Public Safety. Initially, authorities described him as a trained firearms instructor, but they later corrected this information. Card spent two weeks at a mental health facility this summer prior to being released. Law enforcement agencies are currently conducting an extensive manhunt involving various police forces, including Maine State Police, federal and county officers, as well as other local municipalities. Residents in Lewiston, Lisbon, Bowdoin, and Auburn have been instructed to stay home.