Robert Card suspected of carrying out a series of fatal shootings in Lewiston, Maine, on Wednesday night is still evading authorities, despite facing eight counts of murder, as confirmed by law enforcement on Thursday morning. While eight victims have been identified, authorities are diligently working to ascertain the identities of an additional 10 individuals who tragically lost their lives in these incidents.
Robert Card was originally a “person of interest”
Initially referred to as a “person of interest” by the police, Robert Card, a 40-year-old skilled firearms expert, was swiftly labeled as the prime suspect during a press conference held on Thursday morning. Authorities deemed him “armed and dangerous” as they launched an extensive manhunt to locate him.
Maine’s Democratic Governor, Janet Mills, provided a grim update, stating that at least 18 lives have been lost in the wake of the shootings. Card is alleged to have indiscriminately opened fire on groups of people in two distinct locations. Reports of the shootings initially led police to Schemengees Bar and Grille, and subsequently, Sparetime Recreation, a bowling alley just 10 minutes away. Tragically, eight victims were discovered dead at the bar and grille, with an additional seven found lifeless at the bowling alley. Three more individuals succumbed to their injuries at nearby hospitals.
Suspect spent two weeks in a mental health facility
Adding a concerning dimension to the unfolding tragedy, it has been revealed that Card, who has been serving in the Army Reserves since 2002, spent two weeks in a mental health facility over the summer. Law enforcement disclosed that the suspect had recently reported mental health issues, including hearing voices and making threats to carry out an attack on the National Guard Base in Saco, Maine.
Moreover, the gravity of the situation has prompted the involvement of federal agencies, with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) collaborating in the manhunt. This joint effort aims to support local and state law enforcement agencies in their investigation.
The sense of urgency is underscored by neighboring states, as state police in New Hampshire and Connecticut are on high alert. Citizens are being encouraged to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious activity to their local police departments as the search for Robert Card continues.
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