Dozens of people are feared injured and killed as the suspect remains at large
In this image taken from video released by the Androscoggin County Sheriff’s Office, an unidentified gunman points a gun while entering Sparetime Recreation in Lewiston, Maine, October 25, 2023 © Androscoggin County Sheriff’s Office via AP
Authorities have identified a “person of interest” in a mass casualty shooting that took place across several locations in Lewiston, Maine, as a military-trained firearms instructor with reported mental health troubles.
Mass casualty active shooter event
The horrifying scenes unfolded at around 7pm local time in Lewiston, a city of about 36,000 people in Maine, at Sparetime Recreation, a bowling alley on Mollison Way, and Schemengees Bar and Grille on Lincoln Street. Authorities have yet to confirm any other possible shooting locations reported by local media.
Dozens of victims
Authorities confirmed “multiple casualties,” at a press conference late Wednesday night, but refused to release the exact number as the situation remains “fluid.” According to various media reports citing law enforcement sources, up to 22 people are believed to have been killed and over 50 others injured in the onslaught.
Suspect at large
The suspect fled the scene and remains at large, leading authorities in a wild manhunt on Wednesday night. Police released several photos of a white male armed with a long rifle, wearing black trousers and a brown top.
Maine shooting suspect is Robert Card, a trained firearms instructor in the U.S. Army reserve. He was recently released from a mental health facility pic.twitter.com/KfhceeGl8h
— BNO News (@BNONews) October 26, 2023
Police identified the “person of interest” as Robert Card, who had been trained as a firearms instructor at a US Army Reserve training facility, and should be considered “armed and dangerous.” According to a police intelligence bulletin, the man had recently been committed to a mental health facility, reported hearing voices and had threatened to carry out a shooting at a military base.
Cities on lockdown
The city of Lewiston was placed on lockdown amid the ongoing manhunt, with businesses urged to close and residents advised to remain at home with their doors locked. Local schools will remain closed on Thursday. After a “vehicle of interest” was located in Lisbon, a town of 9,000 about 8 miles southeast of Lewiston, residents there were also advised to shelter in place.
