A somber cloud hangs over the state of Maine, as the perpetrator of a horrific mass shooting, Robert Card, was found lifeless in an apparent self-induced firearm act.
The aftermath of this tragedy reverberates throughout the community, resonating with a profound sense of loss and grief.
The Tragic Events
The evening of October 25th marked a dark day for the residents of Lewiston, Maine. Robert Card, a 40-year-old army reservist, reportedly initiated a shooting episode at two distinct locations, causing the death of 18 individuals.
Location One: Just in Time Recreation Bowling Alley
The horrific chain of events began at Just in Time Recreation bowling alley in the northern part of Lewiston. At 6:56 p.m., the first 911 call reported an active shooter at the location. A total of seven lives were tragically lost at this scene, with several more individuals sustaining injuries.
Location Two: Schemengees Bar & Grille
A mere 12 minutes after the first call, a second distress signal was received from Schemengees Bar & Grille, located approximately four miles away. Eight victims were confirmed deceased at the scene, and three more succumbed to their injuries at local medical facilities.
The Immediate Response
The local law enforcement officers responded promptly to the distress calls, but the shooter had already fled each scene by the time they arrived.
The Manhunt
The following two days saw an extensive search operation for the suspect. The residents of Lewiston and neighboring towns of Lisbon and Bowdoin were advised to stay indoors while law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, scoured the region.
The End of the Search
The search operation concluded with the discovery of Card’s body near the Androscoggin River, about 8 miles southeast of the second shooting scene.
Card ended his own life, concluding the manhunt.
“I stand before you tonight to report that Maine State Police have located the body of Robert Card in Lisbon. He is dead,” Maine Gov. Janet Mill said at a press conference on Friday evening.
“Like many Maine people, I breathe a sigh of relief knowing that Robert Card is no longer a threat to anyone else. I know there are many people who share that sentiment. I also know that his death may not bring solace to the victims of this tragedy,” Mills added.
A Nation in Mourning
Following the announcement of Card’s demise, President Joe Biden released a statement expressing his grief over the incident.
He criticized the prevalence of gun violence in the country and called upon Congress to take action to prevent such tragedies.
A Community in Shock
The incident has undoubtedly left a significant impact on the Lewiston community.
Despite the assurance of the threat being over, the pain and loss experienced by the affected families and the community as a whole might take a long time to heal.
The Aftermath
The aftermath of such a grave incident is a stark reminder of the urgency to address the issue of gun violence in the country.
As the community grieves, the nation is called upon to reflect on its gun control policies and make a conscious effort towards preventing such incidents in the future.
Looking Ahead
As the community tries to heal from this tragedy, it’s crucial to remember that the journey to recovery is a long one. It’s equally important to strive for policy changes that would prevent such incidents from happening in the future.
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