By Aaron Miller-
Maine- The U.S is gripped by a tense manhunt as law enforcement officers search for Robert Card, a US Army reservist suspected of carrying out a horrifying mass shooting in Lewiston. The shocking incident left 18 people dead and 13 others injured in shootings at a bar and a bowling alley.
The search for Card has entered its second day, marked by dramatic scenes unfolding partly on live television.
On Thursday night, officials executed search warrants in the town where Card lived. An FBI agent used a bullhorn to issue orders for him to surrender at a rural home owned by Card’s family in neighboring Bowdoin, but no one was inside the property.
Maine Department of Public Safety spokesperson noted that the amplified messages were “standard search warrant announcements,” and officials were diligently following leads in their pursuit. It remains unclear whether Card was present at the outset of the operation.
Robert Card, a sergeant at a nearby US Army reserve base, had previously been committed to a mental health facility over the summer, according to law enforcement officials.
Following the mass shooting, Card’s trail led to Lisbon, located approximately 7 miles to the southeast, where Maine state police discovered a white SUV believed to be the one used by Card to escape.
The vehicle was parked at a boat launch on the river. Public records revealed that Card had three watercraft registrations, including two Sea-Doos and a Bayliner.
Maine’s gun regulations have come under scrutiny as it is one of the states where guns are lightly regulated. Approximately half of all adults in Maine live in households with firearms.
The state does not mandate a permit to purchase or carry a gun and lacks “red flag” laws, which are present in some other states to temporarily disarm individuals deemed dangerous.
In the wake of the tragedy, US Representative Jared Golden, a Democrat from Lewiston, reversed his position on an assault weapons ban, calling on Congress to enact such a ban. Golden cited the weapon used in the mass killing and urged action on gun control.
The United States has faced challenges in passing gun control legislation despite numerous tragic events, including the 2012 massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut.
Maine Governor Janet Mills expressed the state’s sorrow over the incident and pledged support for the affected community.
The victims of the mass shooting have begun to be identified by their relatives. Notable among them was Bob Violette, a retired Sears mechanic and avid bowler, who was killed while protecting children during a bowling league event.
Tricia Asselin was shot as she tried to call 911 from the bowling alley’s counter, showing immense bravery.
This appalling incident in Maine marks the 565th mass shooting in the United States, as defined by the Gun Violence Archive, which counts incidents with at least four victims wounded or killed, excluding the shooter.
As more details about Card’s background emerge, questions remain about his access to firearms and mental health. Army records indicate that Card joined the military in 2002 and served as a petroleum supply officer who did not deploy overseas.
Colleagues mentioned that he was a skilled marksman. Social media activity from an account believed to be his has also come under scrutiny, with likes and retweets praising far-right figures.