A horrifying incident unfolded on Wednesday evening as at least 16 people lost their lives and dozens more were injured during a mass shooting at a local bowling alley in Lewiston, Maine, according to law enforcement sources confirmed to ABC News. The death toll is expected to rise, officials have warned.
The tragedy struck during youth night at the bowling alley, with witnesses describing scenes of terror as people sought refuge behind benches, tables, and even inside machinery at the end of the bowling lanes. Riley Dumont, who was present during the incident, recounted how her father, a retired police officer, shielded them, creating a makeshift barricade of tables and benches. “It felt like it lasted a lifetime,” she said, her voice echoing the fear that gripped the bowling alley.
Ten-year-old Zoe Levesque, who was grazed by a bullet, expressed her shock, saying, “I never thought I’d grow up and get a bullet in my leg.” The shooting left many in the community deeply traumatized, with questions echoing in their minds about the senselessness of such violence.
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Law enforcement swiftly identified a person of interest as Robert Card, who remains at large. Card, with a history of military service and firearms instruction, also has a troubling mental health background, including a recent stay in a mental health facility following threats of a shooting at a National Guard facility earlier this year.
Authorities have traced Card’s vehicle to a location in Lisbon, Maine, intensifying the ongoing manhunt. Witnesses like Brandon, who found himself in the line of fire, described the chaotic scene, emphasizing the sheer terror that gripped everyone present.
In the aftermath of the tragedy, elected officials expressed their condolences and support for the victims. Governor Janet Mills urged residents to follow law enforcement’s directives and assured that she would continue to monitor the situation closely.
Lewiston Mayor Carl Sheline expressed his profound grief, saying, “I am heartbroken for our city and our people. Lewiston is known for our strength and grit, and we will need both in the days to come.”
As Maine grapples with the aftermath of this devastating event, the nation mourns yet another senseless act of violence, prompting renewed discussions about gun control and mental health support.
