The city of Lewiston, Maine, is reeling from a tragic mass shooting that occurred on Wednesday night, leaving 18 people dead and 13 others injured. The shooting, which took place at Schemengees Bar and Grille and the Just-In-Time Recreation bowling alley, marks the single deadliest shooting incident so far in 2023. This incident adds to the alarming number of mass shootings that have occurred across the United States this year.[0]
According to the Gun Violence Archive, there have been 565 mass shootings nationwide in 2023, resulting in the deaths of 597 people. A mass shooting is defined as an incident with at least three injuries or deaths, not including the shooter.[1] These numbers surpass the figures recorded in the same time period in previous years, with 545 people killed in 2022, 564 in 2021, and 413 in 2020.[1] The year 2021 ultimately saw a total of 688 mass shootings, a record since the Gun Violence Archive began tracking data in 2014.
The shooter responsible for the Lewiston mass shootings has been identified as Robert Card, a 40-year-old man who was found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.[2] Card's body was discovered near the Androscoggin River in Lisbon Falls, Maine.[3] He had been a sergeant first class in the U.S. Army Reserve since December 2002, working as a petroleum supply specialist.[4] Although initial reports suggested that Card was a trained firearms instructor, the Army later clarified that he held a different position.
Following the tragedy, Maine Governor Janet Mills expressed relief that Card is no longer a threat but acknowledged that the road to healing for the affected families and the community will be long and challenging. Lewiston Police Chief David St. Pierre also emphasized the need to remember and support the grieving families and law enforcement officials involved in the incident.[5] The shooting has sparked renewed calls for stricter gun control measures, with Congressman Jared Golden reversing his opposition to banning assault rifles in the wake of the mass shooting.[6]
As the nation mourns yet another senseless act of violence, President Joe Biden expressed his dismay and called on Republicans in Congress to fulfill their obligation to keep the American people safe.[4] The tragic events in Lewiston serve as a stark reminder of the urgent need for comprehensive gun reform and mental health support in the country.
The names of all 18 victims of the Lewiston mass shootings were announced during a press conference held by Maine authorities.[7] Their identities are now known to the public, and their families and loved ones are left to grieve their untimely deaths.
In the aftermath of this devastating event, it is crucial to prioritize the well-being of those affected and to provide support for mental health services. If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, please reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline or the Crisis Text Line for immediate assistance.[5]
The nation must come together to address the root causes of gun violence and work towards a future where such tragedies become a thing of the past. It is time for lawmakers to take bold action and enact meaningful gun control measures to ensure the safety and security of all Americans.
0. “Suspect in mass shooting in Maine that killed 18 found dead” Al Jazeera English, 28 Oct. 2023, https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/10/28/maine-mass-shooting-suspect-found-dead
1. “Maine Shooting Is Among This Year’s Deadliest—As U.S. Tops 500 Mass Shootings In 2023” Forbes, 26 Oct. 2023, https://www.forbes.com/sites/anafaguy/2023/10/26/maine-mass-shooting-is-among-this-years-deadliest-as-us-tops-500-shootings-in-2023
2. “Maine Mass Shooting Suspect Robert Card Reportedly Found Dead From Apparent Suicide” TMZ, 28 Oct. 2023, https://www.tmz.com/2023/10/27/maine-mass-shooting-suspect-robert-card-found-dead-manhunt-self-inflicted-gunshot-wound-apparent-suicide/
3. “Gunman in Maine mass shooting found dead” NBC News, 28 Oct. 2023, https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/suspect-maine-mass-shooting-dead-senior-law-enforcement-sources-say-rcna122409
4. “Maine mass shooting suspect Robert Card found dead” WMUR Manchester, 28 Oct. 2023, https://www.wmur.com/article/robert-card-dead/45670539
5. “Lewiston, Maine, Mass Shooting Suspect Robert Card Found Dead” The Daily Beast, 28 Oct. 2023, https://www.thedailybeast.com/divers-join-the-massive-search-for-maine-massacre-suspect-robert-card
6. “Maine official responds to Collins’ comment that mass shooter should have been flagged” The Hill, 27 Oct. 2023, https://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/4279363-lewiston-maine-mass-shooting-official-susan-collins-yellow-flag-laws
7. “4 Deaf Friends Were Killed During Maine Shootings” PEOPLE, 27 Oct. 2023, https://people.com/4-deaf-friends-killed-during-maine-mass-shootings-8383918
