Were Mental Health Signs Ignored in the Mass Shooting?
Oct 27, 2023, 10:00 AM
*These statistics were current at the time of this recording.*
Maine Governor Janet Mills has confirmed a devastating shooting incident that left at least 18 people dead and 13 injured in Lewiston. The suspect, identified as Robert Card, is currently at large, and state police have issued a murder warrant for his arrest.
The tragedy unfolded at a bowling alley and restaurant in Lewiston, where Card opened fire, causing chaos and fear among patrons. The shooting occurred around 7 p.m. on Wednesday, prompting a massive response from law enforcement agencies and a shelter-in-place advisory for residents.
Governor Mills expressed her deep condolences to the affected community, stating, "This city did not deserve this terrible assault on its citizens, on its peace of mind, on its sense of security."
Robert Card, a 40-year-old firearms instructor believed to be in the U.S. Army Reserve, has been identified as the primary suspect. Maine State Police Col. William Ross announced that a warrant for Card's arrest has been issued on eight counts of murder, with the possibility of additional charges as the remaining victims are identified.
The suspect's history reveals that Card had been committed to a mental health facility for two weeks in the summer of 2023, although details of his treatment remain undisclosed. Authorities received reports of Card expressing threats to "shoot up" a military base, further emphasizing the seriousness of the situation.
The tragedy unfolded across two locations, with an active shooter reported at Schemengees Bar and Grille and Sparetime Recreation, a nearby bowling alley. Witnesses recounted their terrifying experiences, with one individual describing hearing about 10 shots, initially mistaking them for balloons popping.
Schools across the region took precautions, with some closing as far away as Kennebunk, more than 50 miles from Lewiston. Additionally, Bates and Bowdoin colleges canceled classes, along with the Gorham and Portland campuses of the University of Southern Maine.
The incident has raised concerns about gun laws in Maine, which does not require permits to carry guns and has a strong gun ownership culture tied to hunting and sport shooting traditions. Recent attempts to tighten gun laws, such as background checks for private sales and a 72-hour waiting period for purchases, have faced resistance.
Notable author Stephen King, who lives near the affected area, expressed his sentiments on the issue, saying, "It's the rapid-fire killing machines, people. This is madness in the name of freedom. Stop electing apologists for murder."
The shooting in Lewiston marks the 36th mass killing in the United States this year, according to a database maintained by The Associated Press and USA Today in partnership with Northeastern University. It has left the community reeling and ignited a nationwide conversation about the urgent need for gun control measures.
As the investigation unfolds, law enforcement agencies are working diligently to locate and apprehend Robert Card, while the residents of Lewiston come to terms with the devastating loss they've suffered.
Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj
Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com
The latest on Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Delphi Murders: Inside the Crime, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Malevolent Mormon Mommys, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com
Maine Governor Janet Mills has confirmed a devastating shooting incident that left at least 18 people dead and 13 injured in Lewiston. The suspect, identified as Robert Card, is currently at large, and state police have issued a murder warrant for his arrest.
The tragedy unfolded at a bowling alley and restaurant in Lewiston, where Card opened fire, causing chaos and fear among patrons. The shooting occurred around 7 p.m. on Wednesday, prompting a massive response from law enforcement agencies and a shelter-in-place advisory for residents.
Governor Mills expressed her deep condolences to the affected community, stating, "This city did not deserve this terrible assault on its citizens, on its peace of mind, on its sense of security."
Robert Card, a 40-year-old firearms instructor believed to be in the U.S. Army Reserve, has been identified as the primary suspect. Maine State Police Col. William Ross announced that a warrant for Card's arrest has been issued on eight counts of murder, with the possibility of additional charges as the remaining victims are identified.
The suspect's history reveals that Card had been committed to a mental health facility for two weeks in the summer of 2023, although details of his treatment remain undisclosed. Authorities received reports of Card expressing threats to "shoot up" a military base, further emphasizing the seriousness of the situation.
The tragedy unfolded across two locations, with an active shooter reported at Schemengees Bar and Grille and Sparetime Recreation, a nearby bowling alley. Witnesses recounted their terrifying experiences, with one individual describing hearing about 10 shots, initially mistaking them for balloons popping.
Schools across the region took precautions, with some closing as far away as Kennebunk, more than 50 miles from Lewiston. Additionally, Bates and Bowdoin colleges canceled classes, along with the Gorham and Portland campuses of the University of Southern Maine.
The incident has raised concerns about gun laws in Maine, which does not require permits to carry guns and has a strong gun ownership culture tied to hunting and sport shooting traditions. Recent attempts to tighten gun laws, such as background checks for private sales and a 72-hour waiting period for purchases, have faced resistance.
Notable author Stephen King, who lives near the affected area, expressed his sentiments on the issue, saying, "It's the rapid-fire killing machines, people. This is madness in the name of freedom. Stop electing apologists for murder."
The shooting in Lewiston marks the 36th mass killing in the United States this year, according to a database maintained by The Associated Press and USA Today in partnership with Northeastern University. It has left the community reeling and ignited a nationwide conversation about the urgent need for gun control measures.
As the investigation unfolds, law enforcement agencies are working diligently to locate and apprehend Robert Card, while the residents of Lewiston come to terms with the devastating loss they've suffered.
Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj
Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com
The latest on Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Delphi Murders: Inside the Crime, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Malevolent Mormon Mommys, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com