Speaker Mike Johnson of Louisiana has expressed his condolences for the killings that took place in Lewiston, Maine, referring to the event as a “horrific tragedy”. President Joe Biden has also addressed the shootings, offering prayers for the victims and their families. He has directed his administration to provide support to the people of Maine and has called on Congress to pass legislation banning assault weapons and implementing universal background checks.
Maine Governor Janet Mills has described the shootings as a “dark day” for the state and its residents. She emphasized the close-knit nature of the Lewiston community and the impact the tragedy has had on its residents.
The timeline of the 911 calls reveals that the first call was received at 6:56 p.m., reporting a male individual shooting at a bowling alley in Lewiston. Subsequently, at 7:08 p.m., multiple calls were made regarding an active shooter at a bar and grille located approximately four miles away. Law enforcement agencies quickly responded and worked to identify the suspect.
Governor Mills provided an update on the number of injured individuals, stating that 13 people were wounded in the shootings. The conditions of those injured have not been disclosed, and details such as the ages of the victims have also not been shared.
According to officials, a total of 18 people lost their lives in the Lewiston shootings. Eight victims have been identified so far, while the identification of ten others is still pending. The fatalities occurred at the bowling alley and the bar and grille, with seven victims found inside the latter establishment and one victim found outside.
An arrest warrant has been issued for Robert Card, the suspect believed to be responsible for the shootings. The warrant charges him with at least eight counts of murder. The whereabouts of Card are currently unknown, and authorities are actively searching for him.
Card, who has served in the Army Reserve since 2002, has no combat deployments. He holds the rank of Sgt. 1st Class and has received various awards and medals during his service. Recent reports indicate that Card had experienced mental health issues and had made threats regarding shooting up the National Guard Base.
Local residents have expressed knowledge of Card and his family, describing them as gun enthusiasts associated with right-wing militias. Additionally, the Maine Gun Safety Coalition has attributed the tragedy to what they consider to be weak gun laws in the state. The organization is calling for an assault weapons ban to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
President Biden has ordered that flags at the White House and other federal locations be flown at half-staff in honor of the shooting victims. The University of Maine, where Card studied in the past, has canceled classes to allow students and staff time to support each other and grieve.
The total number of fatalities has been reported as 18, with four critically injured individuals. An estimated 60 people have also been wounded in the shootings.
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