Robert Card: What we know about the suspect in Maine mass shooting

On Wednesday night the city of Lewiston, Maine, was shaken after a gunman opened fire in two different locations. Police scrambled to find the shooter, advising residents and local businesses to lock down immediately.

Maine law enforcement officials later announced that Robert Card, a 40-year-old man, was the “person of interest” in the shootings that claimed dozens of lives at a Lewiston bar and bowling alley.

Here’s what we know so far.

Who is Robert Card?

After identifying Robert Card as the “person of interest”, the sheriff’s office made photos of him public for identification. He could be seen in the images wearing brown clothes and brandishing a high-powered assault-style rifle.

The law enforcement also unveiled a picture of the vehicle under investigation – a compact white SUV featuring a front bumper painted black. It was a car that the Maine State Police confirmed as belonging to the shooter.

As of 11am local time on Thursday morning, no arrests had been made.

In total, 18 people were killed while another 13 were injured in the attacks, Maine Governor Janet Mills confirmed in a press conference on Thursday.

The conditions of those injured remains unclear.

A city councillor had previously told CNN that 22 people were thought to have been killed and up to 60 others injured.

Maine Public Safety Commissioner Mike Sauschuck refused to give a specific number of fatalities on Wednesday night, saying: “This is a very fluid situation. I don’t have firm numbers and when I do, I will be happy to share with you... I don’t think it’s helpful.”

Initial reports had also suggested that there may have been a shooting in a third location at a Walmart Distribution Centre but this later turned out to be incorrect.

Walmart released a statement late on Wednesday saying: “There was no shooting on Walmart’s property. The distribution center was locked down and police searched the facility. They did not find anything and no one was hurt.”

John Miller, chief law enforcement and intelligence analyst for CNN, described the weapon as an AR15-style rifle with a possible telescopic sight. He noted that the gunman was wearing blue tactical pants with “bulging” pockets, suggesting the possibility that he was carrying extra ammunition.

The person of interest, Card, should be considered armed and dangerous, police said.

As per law enforcement reports, Card served as a firearms instructor in the US Army Reserve. He recently disclosed mental health issues, citing experiences of auditory hallucinations including hearing voices and threats to shoot up the National Guard Base in Saco, according to a Maine law enforcement bulletin seen by the Associated Press.

He was also committed to a mental health facility for two weeks during the summer of 2023. According to a report by Macra, Card has a history of arrests for domestic violence and other crimes.

Where did the incidents occur?

Police, fire and rescue personnel first descended on Sparetime Recreation on Mollison Way, in Lewiston, about 7pm local time after a report of an active shooter, according to Maine newspaperThe Sun Journal.

Shortly afterwards, reports circulated online that another incident had taken place at a local bar and restaurant – Schemengees – on nearby Lincoln Street.

Around an hour after the first police activity, Lewiston public information officer Derrick St Laurent told The Sun Journal that another shooting had been reported at the Walmart Distribution Center on Alfred A Plourde Parkway.

The Androscoggin County Sheriff’s office later released two pictures of the person of interest entering a bowling alley – appearing to confirm reports on the first location.

What happened in the initial aftermath?

Video shared online showed multiple police vehicles in the local area.

A message put out online by Maine State Police advised members of the public to “shelter in place”.

“There is an active shooter in Lewiston. We ask people to shelter in place. Please stay inside your home with the doors locked. Law enforcement is currently investigating at multiple locations,” the force said.

“If you see any suspicious activity or individuals please call 911. Updates to follow.”

A text sent out by Lewiston Public Schools urged anyone near or at the school for conferences to get in a safe place.

”We are going into lockdown. I will provide more information as it is available and appropriate,” the alert read.

How is Lewiston dealing with the tragedy?

Local schools have announced they will cancel classes on Thursday.

“There remains a lot of unknowns at this time. Information moves quickly but not always accurately. Please continue to shelter in place or get to safety. We will continue to update you with information and next steps as appropriate,” Lewiston Public Schools said.

“Stay close to your loved ones. Embrace them. Our prayers go out to those who lost someone tonight. Our prayers go out to all those working to stop further loss of life.”

Town offices in Lisbon, which neighbours Lewiston, will also be closed on Thursday.

Maine Governor Ms Mill said in Thursday’s press conference that Maine is “one of the safest states in the nation” as she vowed to hold the person responsible accountable.

“I hold these families and this city in my heart,” she said.

“I wish I could take that pain off your hearts, off your shoulers but I promise you this – we will all help you carry that grief.”