The small town of Lewiston, Maine was left devastated after a mass shooting that took place on October 25th, 2023. The suspected gunman, Robert Card, opened fire at a bowling alley and a restaurant, killing 18 people and injuring 13 others.[0] The tragedy sent shockwaves through the community and prompted a massive manhunt to apprehend the shooter.
After two days of searching, authorities located Card's body in a trailer near a recycling plant in Lisbon on Friday night.[1] It was determined that Card died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.[2] The discovery brought a sense of relief to the community, but also raised questions about what led to the deadly rampage.
According to Maine Department of Public Safety Commissioner Mike Sauschuck, a note addressed to a loved one was found in Card's home.[3] While not explicitly a suicide note, the tone and contents of the note suggested that Card did not plan to be around much longer. The note also included his phone and bank account numbers, indicating a possible motive or intention behind the shooting.[4]
The shooting in Lewiston is the deadliest mass shooting in the United States this year, highlighting the ongoing issue of gun violence in the country.[5] It is also the worst mass shooting in Maine's history, leaving the community in shock and mourning the loss of their loved ones.[6]
The victims of the shooting have been identified as Ronald Morin, Peyton Brewer-Ross, Joshua Seal, Maxx Hathaway, Stephen Vozzella, Jason Walker, Tricia Asselin, Robert Violette, Lucille Violette, William Brackett, Keith Macneir, Michael Deslauriers II, and Joseph Walker. Their families have been notified, and the community has come together to support one another during this difficult time.
The shooting has reignited the debate on gun control in the United States, with many calling for stricter regulations on assault-style weapons. Congressman Jared Golden, who represents Maine's 2nd District, spoke out after the shooting, acknowledging his previous opposition to banning assault rifles. However, in light of the tragedy, Golden called on Congress to take action and ban these weapons to prevent further mass shootings.
The shooting in Lewiston has once again highlighted the need for comprehensive gun control measures in the United States.[7] The country has seen a staggering number of mass shootings this year, with at least 566 incidents reported.[8] It is a problem that needs to be addressed urgently to ensure the safety and well-being of communities across the nation.
As the investigation into the shooting continues, the focus remains on healing and supporting the victims' families. The community of Lewiston is coming together to grieve and find solace in each other's strength. It is a long road to recovery, but the community remains resilient and determined to honor the memories of those lost in this senseless act of violence.
0. “Maine shooting: Robert Card's note to loved ones and final movements revealed” Fox News, 28 Oct. 2023, https://www.foxnews.com/us/maine-shooting-robert-cards-note-loved-ones-final-movements-revealed
1. “LIVE: Officials give updates as search continues for Robert Card” WMUR Manchester, 27 Oct. 2023, https://www.wmur.com/article/lewiston-maine-mass-shooting-news-update/45665380
2. “Details of note left by Lewiston, Maine gunman revealed” CBS Boston, 28 Oct. 2023, https://www.cbsnews.com/boston/news/lewiston-maine-gunman-robert-card-left-note/
3. “Maine officials lift shelter-in-place order as search for suspected gunman continues” WCVB Boston, 27 Oct. 2023, https://www.wcvb.com/article/lewiston-maine-shooting-robert-card-search/45668048
4. “Robert Card, Suspect In Maine Shooting, Found Dead” TODAY, 28 Oct. 2023, https://www.today.com/news/maine-shooting-suspect-rcna122511
5. “Residents of Lewiston, Maine, wonder what is next after mass shooting – The Washington Post” The Washington Post, 30 Oct. 2023, https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2023/10/29/maine-shooting-lewiston
6. “Bill Nemitz: It's time to admit failure – and be outraged” Press Herald, 28 Oct. 2023, https://www.pressherald.com/2023/10/28/its-time-to-admit-failure-and-be-outraged/
7. “Tears and relief in Maine after gunman's death” BBC.com, 28 Oct. 2023, https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-67251030
8. “What we know about the victims of the Maine mass shooting” CNN, 28 Oct. 2023, https://www.cnn.com/2023/10/27/us/these-are-the-victims-of-the-maine-mass-shootings/index.html
