An arrest warrant has been issued for a 40-year-old man, Robert Card, in connection to a mass shooting in Lewiston, Maine. The shooting occurred on Wednesday and resulted in the deaths of 18 people. Law enforcement agencies are currently conducting a massive manhunt to locate the suspect, who remains at large.
Maine Governor Janet Mills expressed her condolences to the affected community and stated that the state did not deserve such a tragic event. She has reached out to President Joe Biden and officials from his administration, including U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas.
The arrest warrant for Card includes eight counts of murder, a number that may increase as more victims are identified. The warrant has been impounded, making it inaccessible to the public, according to a spokesperson for Maine Attorney General Aaron Frey.
The shootings occurred at Sparetime Recreation and Schemengees Bar and Grille Restaurant, with multiple 911 calls reporting the incidents. Seven individuals were killed at Sparetime Recreation, while seven males inside Schemengees Bar and Grille Restaurant and one male outside the establishment also lost their lives. Three additional victims died after being transferred to nearby hospitals.
Law enforcement agencies, including over 100 investigators, are involved in the search for Card. Shelter-in-place orders and school closings have been expanded to include the town of Bowdoin, Card’s last known residence.
The motive behind the shootings remains unknown, and officials have not provided details about the specific firearm used or how the suspect obtained access to a weapon. A vehicle linked to Card was discovered at a boat landing in Lisbon.
Card, described as a firearms instructor believed to be in the Army Reserve, had previously been committed to a mental health facility in 2023.
The U.S. Army has issued a statement refuting reports that he served as a firearms instructor. Card was a reservist and assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 304th Infantry Regiment in Saco, according to Army spokesperson Bryce Dubee. “While his unit supported West Point summer training in July of 2023, there are no records to indicate he instructed or participated in any training,” Dubee said in a statement. “The Army did not train SFC Card as a firearms instructor, nor did he serve in that capacity for the Army.”
Maine Public Safety Department Commissioner Michael Sauschuck declined to provide further information on a potential motive.
The ongoing manhunt has led to increased police presence, with armed officers stationed at various locations.
