The city of Lewiston, Maine, was shaken on Wednesday night when a gunman opened fire in a bowling alley and a bar.
Police quickly mobilized in their search for the shooter, advising residents and local businesses to secure their premises immediately, as per The Independent.
Robert Card Unleashes Fear
Robert Card stands accused of taking the lives of 18 innocent people in a horrifying shooting rampage on Wednesday night. With many more injured, some in critical condition, and a massive search underway, this tragedy has sent shockwaves through the quiet town and far beyond.
Card, a US Army reservist and a member of the Army Reserve's 3rd Battalion, 304th Infantry Regiment, is now the target of a nationwide search. The events leading up to this devastating act have raised questions about his mental state and motivations.
Military officials had expressed concerns about Card's erratic behavior during his training at the US Military Academy at West Point in New York. His sister-in-law, Katie Card, has publicly urged him to "do the right thing" and turn himself in, highlighting family members' desperate and concerned plea.
In the aftermath of the shooting, police officers swarmed Card's brother and sister-in-law's home in Bowdoin, a small town near Lewiston, in search of the suspect. The Department of Public Safety initially refuted reports of gunshots heard at the residence earlier in the day, but they later surrounded the house, calling for Card's surrender.
However, it was later revealed that he was not inside the property. As the search continues, the victims of this horrific act are being identified, and stories of heroism have emerged.
Mike Deslauriers II and Jason Walker, lifelong friends, lost their lives while trying to protect children at a bowling alley.
Their selfless actions in the face of danger have been hailed as the embodiment of true heroes.
Card's actions unfolded on Wednesday evening when he opened fire at two separate locations in Lewiston, first at a bowling alley and then at a bar and restaurant just four miles away.
His car was later found abandoned in the nearby town of Lisbon, and he has managed to evade capture since, according to Mirror.
Manhunt for Armed and Dangerous Maine Mass Shooting Suspect
Authorities have issued warnings that Card is armed and dangerous. Experts on the case, like Marko Galbreath, a former police sergeant and SWAT team member, have expressed concerns about Card's potential whereabouts and the threat he poses.
Galbreath emphasized the need for nationwide vigilance and urged the public to be cautious, as Card could have changed his appearance and traveled far from the scene. Card's military background and his reported stay in a mental health facility earlier this summer have raised concerns about his intentions and the potential danger he poses.
Robert Carlson, a law enforcement officer, and firearms instructor, explained that Card's training and experience make him a formidable adversary for responding officers, emphasizing the importance of public awareness.
The search for Card has extended to forests, waterways, and small towns in the rural areas of Maine where the shootings occurred. The entire community is on edge, with schools, doctor's offices, and grocery stores closing and residents staying behind locked doors as far as 50 miles from the crime scenes.
As authorities press on in their search, new information continues to emerge. A search warrant executed at Card's home uncovered a note, and his sister revealed that he may have been searching for his ex-wife, who filed for divorce in 2007.
With eight murder warrants already issued and more expected as the identities of the remaining victims are confirmed, the search for Card remains a top priority. Maine Governor Janet Mills has pledged to do whatever it takes to bring Card to justice and provide closure for the victims and their families.
The community, still reeling from this unimaginable tragedy, remains resilient and determined to see that justice is served. As the nation watches this unfolding tragedy, there is a collective hope that Robert Card will be brought to justice, providing answers and a sense of closure to those affected by this horrifying event.
The urgent manhunt continues, with the safety and well-being of the public at the forefront of the efforts to locate and apprehend the suspect, Mail Online reported.
