Unprecedented Tragedy Strikes Lewiston, Maine: The Grim Reality of America's Gun Violence Epidemic

A Community in Shock: 18 Lives Lost, 13 Injured

In a harrowing turn of events, the city of Lewiston, nestled in the northeastern state of Maine, has been left reeling from a shocking multiple shooting incident. This tragedy has claimed the lives of at least 18 individuals and left another 13 wounded. The grim news was conveyed by Governor Janet Mills, leaving the community in mourning and disbelief.

The Suspect at Large: A Manhunt Underway

The alleged perpetrator, a shadowy figure who remains at large, unleashed terror by targeting various establishments, including a bowling alley and a restaurant. The authorities swiftly issued an arrest warrant for the suspected shooter, identified as Robert Card, a 40-year-old firearms instructor. The chilling warning has been broadcast - "Card must be considered armed and dangerous."

Desperate Pleas for Safety: Lockdown in Lewiston and Neighboring Towns

In the wake of this horrifying ordeal, a blanket of fear has descended upon Lewiston, along with its neighboring towns, Lisbon and Auburn. The local police are urging residents to take refuge within their homes, bolting their doors, as the pursuit of Robert Card continues.

The Elusive Robert Card: A Troubling Profile

The manhunt for Robert Card, who is believed to have perpetrated the slaying of at least 18 individuals across two separate shooting incidents in Maine, remains a top priority for law enforcement. Authorities have shared photographs of a bearded man donned in a sweater, entering a building with a rifle. To date, he is sought on eight counts of murder, as only eight of the 18 victims have been identified.

Unmasking the Alleged Culprit: Military Training and Mental Health History

Robert Card's background is coming into focus, revealing a disturbing trail. He is a firearms instructor who received military training at a facility in Saco, Maine, a fact corroborated by police records verified by CBS. The records also disclose that Card spent time in a mental health facility during the summer of 2023, and had previously made threats of violence.

The Clues Left Behind: A White Vehicle and a City on Edge

Authorities have shared a photograph of a white vehicle, believed to be the suspect's, found in Lisbon, 11 kilometers from Lewiston. The vehicle's front bumper painted black adds an eerie dimension to the unfolding investigation. They urge anyone with information to come forward and assist in solving this dreadful puzzle.

A City Under Siege: Eyewitness Accounts

The horror unfolded in two separate locales, Sparetime Recreation bowling alley and Schemengees Bar & Grille, prompting eyewitnesses to describe a city under siege. Riley Dumont, a Lewiston resident, recounted her 11-year-old daughter's experience in a children's bowling league, while Billie Jayne Cooke, in the midst of an event, described the overwhelming presence of sirens and police activity, a sight unfamiliar to Lewiston.

The Unending Epidemic: Gun Violence in America

The tragedy in Lewiston is yet another stark reminder of the unrelenting gun violence epidemic in the United States. With over 500 mass shootings reported this year, the nation grapples with the unyielding impact of this pervasive issue. President Joe Biden has made a fervent appeal, decrying the normalization of such violence and calling on Congress to take decisive action, including the banning of assault rifles.

The Nation Reacts: From Mourning to Action

In response to this heart-wrenching event, the White House has sprung into action. President Joe Biden has engaged with Maine's governor, Janet Mills, along with Senators Angus King and Susan Collins, and Congressman Jared Golden. His message is clear - the toll of gun violence is no longer acceptable, and measures for stricter gun control are imperative.

A Unified Effort: Federal and Local Agencies Join Hands

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) remains vigilant, monitoring the evolving situation closely. They have pledged unwavering support for Lewiston by working in close collaboration with federal, state, and local partners.

A Call for Change: The Urgent Need to Address Gun Violence

In this trying time, the Department of Justice of the United States has lent its hand to state and local authorities, exemplifying a unified response to a grave crisis. With over 500 mass shootings in a year, the Gun Violence Archive underscores the need for change in the United States' approach to gun control.

This harrowing incident, forever etched in Lewiston's history, calls for reflection and action on a national scale. The soul of a community, scarred by tragedy, yearns for the change that must come.