On Wednesday, a series of shootings occurred in Lewiston, Maine, resulting in the deaths of at least 18 individuals and injuries to over 13 people. The shooter, identified as 40-year-old Robert Card, remains at large, and authorities have warned the public that he should be considered armed and dangerous. The shootings took place at various locations, including a bowling alley, a local bar, and a Walmart distribution center.
Law enforcement officials, working on the case, have been processing the crime scenes and collecting evidence to aid in their ongoing investigation. The Lewiston Police Department released photographs of the suspect holding what appeared to be a semiautomatic rifle. Authorities urged businesses to go into lockdown or close down as a precaution, while advising residents to remain indoors with locked doors.
In response to the incident, the White House issued a statement indicating that President Joe Biden had reached out to Maine Governor Janet Mills, Senators Angus King and Susan Collins, and Congressman Jared Golden to offer federal support in dealing with the aftermath of the shooting.
Lewiston Mayor Carl Sheline expressed profound grief for the city and its people, calling for unity and strength during this challenging time. He urged residents to adhere to safety guidelines and to support one another. This incident marks the deadliest mass shooting in the United States since May 2022, when a similar tragedy occurred at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas, resulting in the deaths of 19 children and two teachers.
The Gun Violence Archive has reported a significant increase in shootings in the United States since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, with at least 647 incidents in 2022 involving four or more people being shot.
Image Source: https://www.thedailybeast.com/multiple-people-killed-wounded-by-active-shooter-in-lewiston-maine-police-say
