Tragic Mass Shooting in US Bowling Alley
A massive manhunt is currently underway in the US state of Maine for a gunman who is responsible for a mass shooting, making it the deadliest incident of its kind in 2023. Robert Card, a certified firearms instructor and a member of the US Army Reserve, is the primary suspect in this tragic event. He was caught on surveillance footage entering a bowling alley in Lewiston, pointing a semi-automatic weapon with an extended clip.
The shooting has resulted in at least 22 fatalities, and many more individuals have been injured, although the exact number is still uncertain. The violence reportedly took place at multiple locations within Lewiston, leading to lockdowns in parts of the city, with businesses advised to close, and residents instructed to shelter in place.
Law enforcement agencies are actively pursuing Robert Card, with hundreds of police officers involved in the investigation and search efforts. Meanwhile, rescue vehicles from central Maine rushed to provide assistance to the wounded, with hospitals calling in off-duty staff to manage the influx of patients.
President Joe Biden interrupted a state dinner honoring Australia’s prime minister to offer federal support to Maine’s governor, senators, and a local congressman. Armed police have been guarding the Central Maine Medical Center where some of the injured are receiving treatment.
Multiple school boards and educational institutions, including Bates College, have canceled classes in response to the unfolding situation.
The initial incident occurred at the Sparetime Recreation bowling alley, followed by reports of another shooting at the Schemengees Bar & Grille. Police have released photographs of the suspect, and a “vehicle of interest” was located in a nearby town, Lisbon, although Card was not found in the vehicle. Law enforcement is treating this as two active shooter events.
Maine Governor Janet Mills is aware of the situation and has been briefed on the ongoing events. The exact number of wounded individuals is uncertain, but reports suggest that at least 50 people may have been injured. There were also unconfirmed reports of shots being fired at a third site, a Walmart distribution center.
This tragic incident in Lewiston is one of the deadliest mass shootings in 2023, highlighting the ongoing issue of gun violence in the United States. Efforts to implement stricter gun control measures face resistance, even in the face of widespread outrage over such incidents.
Lewiston is the second most populous city in Maine, located approximately 30 miles north of Portland.
