A man shot and killed 16 people at a restaurant and a bowling alley in Lewiston, Maine on Wednesday. He then fled into the night, leading to a massive search by hundreds of officers, while frightened residents remained locked in their homes.

Robert Card, 40, was identified as a person of interest in the attack. Card is a firearms instructor believed to be in the Army Reserve and assigned to a training facility in Saco, Maine. A police bulletin revealed that Card had been committed to a mental health facility for two weeks in the summer of 2023. The document did not provide specific details about his treatment or condition but mentioned that Card had reported "hearing voices and threats to shoot up" the military base. Attempts to contact Card using a listed telephone number were unsuccessful.


According to the Lewiston Police, the active shooter incident occurred at Schemengees Bar and Grille and Sparetime Recreation, a bowling alley located about 4 miles away. Witness Brandon recounted hearing approximately 10 shots and quickly realizing it was not a harmless noise. He managed to make his way to safety, joining other survivors who were later transported to a middle school in Auburn for reunification with their loved ones.


Melinda Small, the owner of Legends Sports Bar and Grill, shared the immediate actions taken by her staff to ensure customer and employee safety following reports of the shooting at the nearby bowling alley. The police provided assistance, allowing everyone to leave the premises without harm.


Following the shooting, the city entered an eerie state of quiet, with armed police officers positioned throughout the area. The Androscoggin County Sheriff's Office released two photos of the suspect, capturing him entering an establishment with a raised weapon.