The hunt for mass shooting suspect Robert Card intensifies as Maine’s public safety commissioner announced over 530 tips from the public. Card, suspected of killing 18 people in a shooting spree, remains elusive. Anxiety mounts as residents spanning a 700-square-mile area are instructed to continue sheltering in place.
Law enforcement has revealed a note left by Card that, according to an official, is suggestive of a suicide note. The note, instead of revealing a motive, gives instructions on how items might be found and disposed of, implying Card’s anticipation of being deceased when the note was discovered. This has led to divers searching the Androscoggin River, near where Card’s vehicle was found abandoned. Air assets have been deployed to aid in this water-based search. Public Safety Commissioner Michael Sauschuck clarified that while the focus is on the river, it isn’t certain that Card is there.
Card, a skilled marksman with a background as an Army reservist, is described as “armed and dangerous.” His military background, including land navigation training, might give him an edge in evading authorities.
In a heart-wrenching twist, law enforcement sources speculate a broken relationship might have triggered Card’s rampage. The gunman targeted a bowling alley and a bar, both frequented by Card and his ex-girlfriend. She was reportedly scheduled to participate in a tournament at the bar the night of the shooting.
This tragedy ranks as the deadliest of over 566 mass shootings in the US this year, surpassing even the Uvalde massacre in Texas in May 2022, where 21 were killed.
The Lewiston horror started at Just-in-Time Recreation and later at Schemengees Bar & Grille, leaving 18 dead and 13 injured. The aftermath has deeply affected the Lewiston community, from grieving families to fearful residents.
Among the victims were Tricia Asselin, who was killed while trying to dial 911 during the shooting, and Tommy Conrad, a manager at the bowling alley. Bryan MacFarlane, a prominent figure in the deaf community, was also among those killed.
Authorities have been systematically pursuing leads. Recent developments include the discovery of Card’s cell phone, which could have been a potential tracking method. Additionally, a gun was found in the suspect’s abandoned vehicle, though it’s undetermined if this was the weapon used in the massacre.
Investigative efforts have also focused on Card’s last known residence in Bowdoin, Maine. During a search, authorities reportedly discovered evidence of interest, including potential computer data and notes.
As the community grapples with the tragedy, revelations about Card’s mental health have surfaced. Over the summer, during a stint at Camp Smith training facility in New York, Card mentioned hearing voices and expressed a desire to harm fellow soldiers. Despite this, his sister-in-law, Katie O’Neill, emphasized that Card did not have a lengthy history with mental health challenges.
The situation remains fluid as authorities continue their search, with the community hoping for a swift resolution.
