Maine Shooting Tragedy: A Desperate Manhunt for Robert Card Unfolds

Maine Shooting: A Tragic Mass Shooting Leaves 22 Feared Dead in Lewiston

Introduction

A manhunt is currently underway in Lewiston, Maine, for a suspect named Robert Card after two mass shootings took place on Wednesday evening. The shootings occurred at the Sparetime Recreation bowling alley and the Schemengees Bar & Grille Restaurant, leaving up to 22 people feared dead. The suspect, who has been described as “armed and dangerous,” is a member of the US Army Reserves and a certified firearms instructor. He has recently made threats to carry out a shooting at a National Guard facility and has reported mental health issues, including hearing voices. As the manhunt continues, residents in Lewiston and Lisbon have been urged to shelter in place.

A Fluid Situation: Death Toll Remains Unknown

The death toll from the mass shootings remains uncertain, with officials describing the situation as “very fluid” at this time. While a city councillor initially reported that at least 22 people had been killed, other sources have put the death toll at 15 to 20. Maine Public Safety Commissioner Mike Sauschuck refused to provide a specific number, stating that it is not helpful at this moment. As families gather at a reunification center in Auburn, they are discovering the tragic news of their loved ones’ deaths. The lack of concrete information has only added to the trauma and uncertainty experienced by the community.

Gun Safety Advocates Criticize Maine‘s Lack of Measures

Gun safety advocates have once again raised concerns about the lack of stringent gun control measures in Maine. The state lacks major types of gun safety laws, including assault weapons regulation, universal background checks, and “red flag” laws that allow law enforcement to temporarily disarm people considered dangerous. Brady, a gun safety advocacy group, issued a statement expressing outrage at the shooting and highlighting the need for stricter gun control measures. The crime scenes of these shootings at a recreation center, a bowling alley, and a neighborhood bar are places where Americans should feel safe, yet they have become sites of tragedy.

Residents Urged to Stay Indoors

Maine police authorities have urged residents to stay inside their homes while the manhunt for the shooting suspect continues. Businesses have been advised to lock down or close as law enforcement investigates the situation. An order for residents and business owners to stay inside and off the streets has been extended from Lewiston to Lisbon after a “vehicle of interest” was found in Lisbon, about eight miles away. The police are working tirelessly to locate the suspect, and they need the cooperation of the public to ensure safety and security.

Eye-Witness Account and Survivor’s Experience

Brandon, an eyewitness to the shooting, described the terrifying moment when he realized that the loud bang he heard was not a balloon popping but the sound of gunshots. He immediately ran from the scene and found safety in the bowling alley’s machinery. Brandon was among the survivors who were later taken to a school in the neighboring city of Auburn to be reunited with their families. The survivor recounts the chaos and fear that gripped him, expressing relief that he managed to escape unharmed.

Editorial: Addressing the Tragedy and the Need for Gun Control

This tragic mass shooting in Lewiston, Maine, is yet another distressing reminder of the urgent need for effective gun control measures in the United States. The lack of legislation regulating assault weapons, implementing universal background checks, and establishing “red flag” laws has contributed to the alarming number of mass shootings that plague the nation. Gun safety advocates point to Maine‘s lack of such measures as a significant contributor to the devastating event that unfolded in this small community. It is high time for lawmakers at the state and federal levels to prioritize the safety and well-being of their constituents by enacting comprehensive gun control measures.

Advice and Call to Action

To the residents of Lewiston, Maine, and the surrounding areas, it is crucial to heed the advice of the authorities and stay indoors until the suspect is apprehended. The cooperation and support of the community are crucial in ensuring the swift resolution of this manhunt and in preventing further harm. Additionally, it is essential for citizens to engage in conversations and advocacy surrounding gun control. Contact your elected representatives and urge them to prioritize comprehensive gun control measures to prevent future tragedies like the one that has unfolded in Lewiston. By standing together and demanding change, we can work towards creating a safer and more secure future for all Americans.