At least 16 dead in Maine mass killing and police hunt for the shooter as residents take shelter

LEWISTON, Maine — A tragic shooting incident occurred in Lewiston, Maine, on Wednesday evening when a man targeted patrons at both a local restaurant and a bowling alley, resulting in the death of at least 16 people. Following the attacks, the suspect disappeared, prompting a widespread manhunt involving numerous law enforcement officers. As the search continued, the community was on high alert, with many choosing to remain safely inside their homes.

Authorities have named 40-year-old Robert Card as a potential suspect in relation to the shootings. Card, a known firearms instructor, is reportedly associated with the Army Reserve and is linked to a training center in Saco, Maine.

Official documents circulated among police departments revealed that Card had spent two weeks in a mental health institution earlier in 2023. The records indicate that he had mentioned experiencing auditory hallucinations and had made threats against a military base. However, specifics regarding his diagnosis or the nature of his threats remain undisclosed. Efforts to reach Card through a publicly listed phone number proved unsuccessful as it was out of service.