On October 25 2023, in a mass shooting Lewiston Maine 18 people were killed and 13 were wounded.
It started at a youth bowling event at Just-In-Time Recreation bowling alley around 6:54 PM, by the shooter, named Robert Card, who used a Ruger SFAR semi-automatic rifle.
He then moved to Schemengees Bar & Grille at 7:08 PM and he went on with the attack. The police St became aware of the situation and started a manhunt for Card who was described as having a dangerous weapon with him.
He was found naked with a gunshot on his head in an area near a recycling center in Lisbon, Maine after 49 hours.
Unfortunately, for the people of Maine, this is the most lethal mass shooting that has occurred in the state and one of the ten worst in the country.
The Perpetrator
Robert Card who perpetrated the mass shooting Lewiston Maine was a 40-year-old military reservist who had a history of mental illness.
He had been in the US Army Reserve, exhibited mental problems – had auditory hallucinations and paranoid suggestions, including conspiracy theories after receiving hearing aids in January 2023.
Even his family was concerned about him, he threatened to kill people and even the military base.
He was taken to the psychiatric hospital in July 2023 for two weeks because his Army unit had to intervene during training sessions.
For having psychosis and a list of people he wanted to harm, he was not properly treated, and he had stopped taking his drugs.
His mental condition deteriorated, provoking the terrible mass shooting Lewiston Maine on October 25, 2023.
Weapons Used in the Shooting
The Ruger SFAR, a small-frame semi-automatic rifle, was involved in mass shooting Lewiston Maine.
It’s designed for compactness, similar to an AR-15 but can handle larger bullets like .308 Winchester.
Weighing about 6.8 pounds and having a 16.1-inch barrel, it’s versatile and easy to use, suitable for hunting or tactical use.
Its gas system can be adjusted for better performance. The legality of this rifle varies by state, but in Maine, where gun ownership is common and regulations are lenient, the owner, who had a history of mental health issues, was able to purchase it.
Immediate Response from Law Enforcement
The first call came in at 6:56 PM about the mass shooting Lewiston Maine, followed by another at Schemengees Bar & Grille at 7:08 PM.
By 7:30 PM, the Maine State Police had set up a command to handle the situation, with over 400 officers and federal agencies involved in a massive search for the shooter, Robert Card.
However, a later review found that there were major communication issues among the police, which made the response and search more confusing and less efficient.
The report also pointed out that officers acting on their own made the situation worse by not coordinating well and not communicating important information to families quickly.
The Manhunt for Robert Card
After the mass shooting Lewiston Maine police began a big search for Robert Card.
They involved hundreds of officers from various levels and over 200 from the FBI. The search started almost immediately, with an order for people to stay inside and a public photo of Card to look for him.
Card, who knew the area well and had a military background, was hard to catch. Finding his vehicle near a boat launch, investigators had trouble figuring out how he escaped.
They then sent divers and sonar teams to look in rivers nearby but couldn’t find him until October 27.
Card was found dead in a tractor-trailer at a recycling center, where they had already checked before.
Mental Health Factors
Robert Card’s family and friends were worried about his mental health before the Lewiston, Maine, mass shooting.
He was very paranoid, delusional, and heard voices. They thought he was being targeted by rumors about being a pedophile, which made his behavior worse.
Despite warnings about his threats and violent thoughts, no one took action, resulting in a terrible outcome.
Legal Implications and Actions Taken
After the mass shooting Lewiston Maine, the families of the victims and survivors are suing military groups like the Department of Defense and the Army, saying they didn’t do enough to stop Robert Card’s worsening mental health and violent threats.
They claim military officials ignored clear signs of his danger, which could have led to stopping the tragedy.
They’re using the Federal Tort Claims Act to start legal action, which must be reviewed within six months before filing a lawsuit.
Lawyers argue that the Army knew about Card’s dangerous actions but didn’t intervene, making them liable for not acting.
Past cases of military negligence have led to big settlements, increasing the pressure for accountability in this case.
The recent mass shooting Lewiston Maine highlights the importance of tackling gun violence, mental health, and keeping communities safe. It’s vital to have serious talks about how to stop these tragedies and promote safe gun use.
