Wednesday night Lewiston saw the worst mass shooting in Maine’s history.
As of Thursday afternoon, the suspect in the murders — Robert Card, age 40 of Bowdoin — is still at large, and he is considered to be armed and dangerous.
Shelter in place advisories remain in effect for Lewiston, Lisbon, and Bowdoin as law enforcement officials continue their search for Card.
Due to the ongoing manhunt, many public and private schools, colleges, businesses, and municipal facilities are closed today, and a large number are expected to be closed again tomorrow. A full list of closures can be found here.
According to information shared at a press conference this morning, 18 people were killed in last night’s mass shooting, while 13 have been confirmed to be injured.
Click here to read a full account of this morning’s press conference.
In the hours since the active shooter situation began, many have come forward to speak on the issue.
Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) posted a brief statement on X after sharing information from State Police concerning the person of interest.
“As our state mourns this horrific mass shooting, we appreciate the support we’ve received from across the country, including the call I received from President Biden offering assistance,” Sen. Collins wrote.
As our state mourns this horrific mass shooting, we appreciate the support we’ve received from across the country, including the call I received from President Biden offering assistance.
— Sen. Susan Collins (@SenatorCollins) October 26, 2023
Sen. Angus King (I-ME) posted twice on X about the shooting.
“Senator King is deeply sad for the City of Lewiston and all those worried about their family, friends and neighbors,” his first statement read. “He’s receiving regular updates, awaits further details from local authorities, and will be headed directly home to Maine once the Senate’s final vote is held tomorrow afternoon.”
“Given the shelter in place currently underway, he asks all in Androscoggin County to allow first responders to address the threat, stay indoors, and report any suspicious behavior to the local authorities,” the statement said.
A statement on the reports of an active shooter in Lewiston: pic.twitter.com/c3HXmowOMh
— Senator Angus King (@SenAngusKing) October 26, 2023
Sen. King then issued a follow-up statement roughly two hours later.
“President Biden just reached out to Senator King directly and offered any federal assistance he can provide to help the people of Maine,” the statement read. “Senator King expressed his deep appreciation to the President for the outreach and support.”
“Given the horrific nature of the events in Maine, Senator King will now be headed to Maine on one of the first flights available — he wants to be home to support Lewiston in any way he can,” the statement concluded.
An updated statement on the mass casualty event in Lewiston: pic.twitter.com/fGjhGd8boG
— Senator Angus King (@SenAngusKing) October 26, 2023
Rep. Chellie Pingree (D-ME) also posted about the mass shooting on X.
“I am closely monitoring the reports of mass shootings in Lewiston,” Rep. Pingree wrote. “The unfolding violence is shocking and I am holding the affected communities in my prayers.”
I am closely monitoring the reports of mass shootings in Lewiston. The unfolding violence is shocking and I am holding the affected communities in my prayers. https://t.co/Vd3YlrJm6o
— Congresswoman Chellie Pingree 🇺🇸 🇺🇦 (@chelliepingree) October 26, 2023
Rep. Jared Golden (D-ME) similarly posted his statement to X.
“Like all Mainers, I’m horrified by the events in Lewiston tonight. This is my hometown,” Rep. Golden wrote. “Right now, all of us are looking to local law enforcement as they gain control of the situation and gather information.”
“Our hearts break for those who are affected and we encourage everyone to follow the directions of the authorities as they conduct their work,” Golden said.
My statement on reports of an active shooter in Lewiston: pic.twitter.com/bigjn9YZsv
— Congressman Jared Golden (@RepGolden) October 26, 2023
Last night’s deadly mass shooting in Lewiston has also garnered attention from members of the federal government.
The White House released a statement on the shooting this morning.
“Once again, our nation mourns after another senseless and tragic mass shooting,” President Joe Biden posted on X.
“Today, Jill and I pray for the Americans in Maine who’ve lost their lives, those in critical care, and the families, survivors, and community members enduring shock and grief,” Biden said.
In the statement attached to this post, President Biden offered condolences for those affected by last night’s mass shooting, and then proceeded to talk at length about what his Administration has done — and hopes to do — with regards to gun control legislation.
“As I told Maine Governor Janet Mills, Senators Collins and King, and Congressman Golden last night,” Biden said, “I have directed my administration to provide everything that is needed to support the people of Maine. We will continue to be there every step of the way.”
“While we have made progress on gun safety through the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, the two dozen executive actions I’ve taken, and the establishment of the first-ever White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention, it’s simply not enough,” Biden wrote.
“Today, in the wake of yet another tragedy, I urge Republican lawmakers in Congress to fulfill their duty to protect the American people,” Biden said. “Work with us to pass a bill banning assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, to enact universal background checks, to require safe storage of guns, and end immunity from liability for gun manufacturers.”
“This is the very least we owe every American who will now bear the scars — physical and mental — of this latest attack,” Biden wrote.
Biden’s full statement can be found in the post below.
Once again, our nation mourns after another senseless and tragic mass shooting.
— President Biden (@POTUS) October 26, 2023
Today, Jill and I pray for the Americans in Maine who’ve lost their lives, those in critical care, and the families, survivors, and community members enduring shock and grief.
Here's my statement: pic.twitter.com/7geRYwQ94k
Vice President Kamala Harris similarly has issued remarks concerning last night’s mass shooting that focused largely on the issue of gun control.
“Once again, routine gatherings — this time at a bowling alley and a restaurant — have been turned into scenes of horrific carnage,” Vice President Harris said. “Doug and I mourn for those who were killed. We pray for those who were injured and grieve with so many whose lives are forever changed and impacted by what happened.”
“The Biden-Harris Administration will continue to provide full support to local authorities,” Harris added.
“And as we gather details, we must continue to speak truth about the moment we are in in our country today,” Harris said. “The leading cause of death of American children is gun violence.”
“Gun violence has terrorized and traumatized so many of our communities in this country. And let us be clear, it does not have to be this way,” Harris said. “as our friends in Australia have demonstrated.”
Kamala Harris reacted to the Lewiston shooting tragedy by praising Australia's gun confiscation program.
— The Maine Wire (@TheMaineWire) October 26, 2023
"It doesn't have to be this way, as our friends in Australia have demonstrated." pic.twitter.com/LBSFUU1PcD
Harris has also posted a full written version of her remarks on X. In addition to an image of her statement, Harris again emphasized her position on gun control legislation alongside her offers of sympathy.
“Lewiston is yet another community torn apart by senseless gun violence,” Harris said. “As we mourn for those killed and pray for the many injured, let us also be clear: It does not have to be this way.”
“Congress can and must pass reasonable gun safety laws to save lives,” Harris concluded.
Harris’ full statement can be read in the post below.
Lewiston is yet another community torn apart by senseless gun violence.
— Vice President Kamala Harris (@VP) October 26, 2023
As we mourn for those killed and pray for the many injured, let us also be clear: It does not have to be this way.
Congress can and must pass reasonable gun safety laws to save lives. Read my statement: pic.twitter.com/QLnlWXTz5a
White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre has also addressed last night’s tragedy in Lewiston, focusing her comments on the potentiality that this will lead to the adoption of stricter gun control legislation.
“It’s within Congress power to pass legislation that will make our streets safer, that will make our community safer, that will make our schools safer,” Jean-Pierre said.
“The House has a new Speaker who said he’s ready to to get to work and to find common ground. Now is the time. Now is the time to find common ground,” Jean-Pierre continued. “Let’s work together to ban assault weapons and high capacity.”
Newly-elected Speaker of the House Rep. Mike Johnson (R-LA) spoke to members of the press earlier today about the mass shooting in Lewiston.
“We we are receiving information about this horrific tragedy. It has moved everyone in the Congress, as you might imagine,” Speaker Johnson said. “Our hearts go out to all those involved, the families, of course, of the victims.”
“And we’re so grateful for law enforcement,” Johnson continued. “We trust and hope and pray that they’re able to apprehend this individual as quickly as possible. There’s no more injury or loss of life. This is a this is a dark time in America.”
“We have a lot of problems and we’re really, really hopeful and prayerful. Prayer is appropriate in a time like this, that the evil can end and this senseless violence can stop,” Johnson said. “Everyone wants this to end, and I’ll leave it there.”
<span class="dsq-postid" data-dsqidentifier="22902 https://www.themainewire.com/?p=22902">1 Comment
The same politicians that refuse to provide for institutionalization of the mentally ill that are a danger to themselves or others ?
The same politicians that refuse to provide for treatment and monitoring of the mentally ill that don’t require institutionalization ?