On April 4, 1983, a tragic mass shooting took place in Lewiston, Maine, leaving at least 22 people dead and dozens more injured. Law enforcement authorities are currently searching for a person of interest in the case, identified as 40-year-old Robert Card. The shootings occurred at the Sparetime Recreation, a bowling alley, and the Schemengees Bar.
The Lewiston Police Department has released information about Robert Card, urging the public to assist in locating him. He is considered armed and dangerous, and individuals are advised not to approach him or make any contact.[0] The police department shared an image of a vehicle believed to be associated with Card, described as a small, white SUV with a front bumper that may be painted black.[1] Maine State Police have confirmed that the image is indeed the suspect's car.[2]
Maine Governor Janet Mills has been briefed on the situation and is closely monitoring it.[0] She has urged all people in the area to follow the directions of state and local enforcement and stay safe.[3] President Joe Biden has also been briefed on the shootings and will continue to receive updates.[4]
The Central Maine Medical Center has been responding to the mass casualty event, coordinating with other hospitals in the area to treat the injured.[1] The hospital has not provided specific details on the number of casualties. The Androscoggin County Sheriff's Office has advised all businesses to lock down or close while they investigate the situation.[2]
Lewiston, the second-largest city in Maine with a population of over 38,000, is in a state of shock and grief following the shootings.[5] Senator King expressed his sadness for the city and urged everyone to allow first responders to address the threat and report any suspicious behavior to local authorities.[6]
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives in Boston is also responding to the active shooter event.[7] Lewiston Public Schools have sent out a text message, asking anyone near or at the schools for conferences to find a safe place and go into lockdown.[8]
The situation is still developing, and updates are being provided regularly. Officials are urging residents to stay indoors, lock their doors, and report any suspicious activity to the authorities.[6] Maine Medical Center and other MaineHealth hospitals have closed their campuses to non-hospital personnel and non-patients as a precautionary measure.[9]
President Biden has offered federal assistance to help the people of Maine, and Senator King has expressed his appreciation for the support.[9] He will be heading to Maine as soon as possible to provide support to the affected community.[7]
This tragic event has shaken the city of Lewiston and the entire state of Maine. The search for Robert Card continues, and law enforcement agencies are working tirelessly to bring him to justice. The priority now is to support the victims and their families, provide medical care to the injured, and ensure the safety of the community.
0. “Mass Shooting In Maine Sees 22 Dead, Manhunt Underway For Shooting Suspect – Update” Deadline, 26 Oct. 2023, https://deadline.com/2023/10/mass-shooting-maine-sees-16-dead-manhunt-underway-1235583661/
1. “22 dead, up to 60 wounded in mass shooting in Maine, officials say” Scripps News, 26 Oct. 2023, https://scrippsnews.com/stories/police-in-maine-search-for-suspect-amid-an-active-shooter-hunt/
2. “At least 22 people dead and suspect at large after shootings in Lewiston, Maine, officials say” KTVZ, 26 Oct. 2023, https://ktvz.com/news/national-world/cnn-national/2023/10/25/at-least-16-people-dead-and-suspect-at-large-after-shootings-in-area-of-lewiston-maine-authorities-say/
3. “Mass shooting hits multiple locations in Lewiston, Maine” Yahoo! Voices, 26 Oct. 2023, https://www.yahoo.com/gma/active-shooter-situation-lewiston-maine-002004508.html
4. “”Mass casualty, mass shooter event” in Maine, hospital says” Axios, 26 Oct. 2023, https://www.axios.com/2023/10/26/lewiston-maine-shootings
5. “Mass Shooting In Maine Sees At Least 22 Dead, Dozens Injured” TMZ, 26 Oct. 2023, https://www.tmz.com/2023/10/25/mass-shooting-maine-bowling-alley-gunman-on-loose/
6. “Live coverage: Lewiston police tell NBC more than 20 believed dead in mass shooting” NewsCenterMaine.com WCSH-WLBZ, 26 Oct. 2023, https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/local/public-safety/police-respond-to-active-shooter-in-lewiston-public-safety-investigation-sparetime-recreation/97-3be50eb6-406d-4038-a300-62696a9421c6
7. “Active situation in Lewiston; Maine State Police, local police on scene” WMTW Portland, 25 Oct. 2023, https://www.wmtw.com/article/active-situation-lewiston-police-troopers-maine/45645793
8. “Angry Maine resident ‘locked and loaded' as gunman who opened fire at bowling alley ONE BLOCK from his home re” Daily Mail, 26 Oct. 2023, https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12673665/Terrified-resident-takes-shelter-mass-shooter-remains-large-saying-safe-home-locked-loaded.html
9. “At least 22 killed in Lewiston shootings, reports say, suspect at large” WABI, 26 Oct. 2023, https://www.wabi.tv/2023/10/26/least-16-killed-lewiston-shootings-reports-say-suspect-large/
