LEWISTON, MAINE — In a mass shooting incident in Lewiston, Maine Wednesday night, 18 individuals were killed and 13 others wounded. Maine Governor Janet Mills shared the devastating news on Thursday morning, and reminded the community to remain vigilant.
I continue to strongly urge Maine people to follow the direction of State and local law enforcement amid this everchanging situation. Please, if you see anything suspicious, I urge you to call 911.
— Governor Janet Mills (@GovJanetMills) October 26, 2023
The shootings took place at two locations: Just-In-Time Recreation (formerly known as Sparetime Recreation) and Schemengees Bar and Grille, around 7 p.m. Authorities have identified Robert Card, a 40-year-old from Bowdoin, as the primary suspect. An arrest warrant for murder has been issued for Card.
Currently, eight of the victims have been identified, leading to Card being wanted on eight counts of murder. As more victims are identified, additional murder charges are expected to be included in the warrant.
According to Maine State Police Col. William Ross, the victims included six men and one woman at Just-In-Time Recreation, and eight men at Schemengees Bar and Grille. Three other individuals succumbed to their injuries at hospitals.
The police located a white Subaru linked to Card in Lisbon, approximately eight miles from Lewiston. This discovery helped in identifying Card as a person of interest. He remains at large and is considered armed and dangerous. The public is advised not to approach him and to call 911 if they see him.
Residents in Lewiston, Lisbon, and Bowdoin have been advised to shelter in place. Emotional, Governor Mills expressed her deep sadness, shared by the entire state.
Dr. John Alexander from Central Maine Healthcare highlighted the swift response of medical teams, with 14 people rushed to Central Maine Medical Center in just over 45 minutes. Five of the shooting victims are in stable condition, while three are critical.
Card, described as a member of the Army Reserve and a firearms instructor, has a history of mental health issues. He reportedly spent time in a mental health facility this past summer. His last known address was in Bowdoin, Maine.
As the manhunt continues, Lisbon schools and some neighboring communities have closed.
