SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH: Sacramento Kings Coach Mike Brown got emotional as he addressed a sickening mass shooting in Maine, where at least 22 people died and 60 suffered grave injuries.
Brown’s team was playing against Utah Jazz at Delta Centre on Wednesday, October 25 when a shooter opened fire at different locations during a rampage at around 7 p.m.
Maine law enforcement later identified the possible suspect as the 40-year-old Robert Card who is believed to be an Army reservist and firearms instructor from Bowdoin.
He was allegedly driving a 2013 white Subaru, which was later found in Lisbon, about seven miles southeast of Lewiston, Eric Samson, Sheriff of Androscoggin County, announced at 11:20 pm.
Officials have warned that Card, who was committed to a mental health facility during Summer 2023 should be considered "armed and dangerous."
A bulletin put out by the Maine Information and Analysis Center, a database for law enforcement officials, also noted that Card “recently reported mental health issues to include hearing voices and threats to shoot up the National Guard Base in Saco, ME.”
“If people see him, they should not approach Card or make contact with him in any way,” Maine Public Safety Commissioner Mike Sauschuck told reporters at a news conference.
Mike Brown emotionally addresses the mass shooting
During his routine post-game press conference, the 53-year-old Brown didn't talk about basketball but chose to address the Maine mass shooting first.
"First thing I'd like to say is, I don't know everything that's going on, I'm not that smart, but I know we as a country got to do something," Brown began as he approached the podium, according to NBC.
"I'm walking over here and somebody says there was a mass shooting in Maine with 22 dead. If that doesn't touch anybody, I don't know. I don't even know what to say. That is absolutely disgusting and it's sad,” he continued.
He then continued by emphasizing the necessity of implementing stricter gun laws. “And it's sad that we sit here and we watch this happen time after time after time after time. And nobody does anything about it,” Mike expressed.
"It's a sad day. It's a sad day for our country. It's a sad day in this world. And until we decide to do something about it, the powers that be, this is going to keep happening.”
“And our kids aren't going to be able to enjoy what the United States is about because we don't know how to fix a problem that's right in front of us. It's sad. I feel for the families. I don't know what else to say,” he further stated.
Social media reaction to Mike Brown’s remarks
Brown’s remark on the Maine mass shooting has garnered immense social media attention, with users praising him for addressing the “issue”.
“Wait till he finds out it’s a bowling alley with kids leagues playing 💔,” one user wrote. “Sometimes it’s bigger than the ball. Respect Mike Brown for this ✊🏽,” a second user said.
"I agree with him. It's sad & disgusting. Many people went to the grocery store to shop for their families or themselves & never returned home," a third user asserted.
“Great coach, this problem that we continue to see happening over and over it bigger than basketball, I agree with coach Brown this is sick!!!,” a fourth stated, while a fifth one praised him and said, “Love Coach Brown. Always respected him. Thank you.”
“Sadly no one in America will do anything about this. This changes nothing. This is going to keep happening. Their country is already doomed. RIP,” another user wrote.
“What you're saying is perfect. Thank you. More people need to speak like this,” one more said.
