A large-scale manhunt is in progress for Robert Card, a U.S. Army reservist, believed to be responsible for a mass shooting in Lewiston, Maine, that left 18 people dead and 13 injured at a local bowling alley and bar.
Authorities have surrounded a home near Bowdoin, owned by one of Card’s relatives, where they believe he may be hiding. Using a megaphone, law enforcement officers are urgently calling for Card to surrender, demanding that he exit the premises with his hands in the air.
The shocking incident has sent shockwaves throughout the region, prompting school closures, lockdowns of doctor’s offices, and grocery stores, as residents across cities, even as far as 50 miles from the crime scenes, remain cautious behind locked doors. President Joe Biden has ordered all U.S. flags to fly at half-staff in memory of the victims.
Robert Card is considered armed and dangerous, and authorities have strongly advised the public not to approach him. Card had undergone a mental health evaluation in mid-July after displaying erratic behavior while serving with his reserve regiment. Though police have not confirmed whether they have sighted Card since the shootings, they have released photos of him entering the bowling alley with a raised rifle.
In addition to the murder warrants already issued for Card, a widespread search has been launched, encompassing land and water operations. The Coast Guard has dispatched patrol boats along the Kennebec River to assist in the search. A nationwide bulletin sent to law enforcement agencies states that Card had been involuntarily committed to a mental health facility for two weeks this summer after he made threats regarding a military base.
While the community remains on high alert, officials are determined to bring Card to justice and provide support to the victims and their families.
