LEWISTON, MAINE: At least 22 people lost their lives and around 60 others sustained injuries in mass shootings that occurred at a bowling alley and a bar in Lewiston, Maine, on Wednesday night, October 25.
The assailant, identified as a retired military officer, is currently on the run and considered "armed and dangerous," prompting a large-scale police operation to locate the shooter.
Panic and response from the community
Lewiston City Councilor Robert McCarthy, who resides near one of the shooting sites, described the chaos and fear that gripped the community upon hearing the gunshots.
McCarthy recounted the tense moments to CNN's Abby Phillip. "We locked all the doors. We grabbed the guns. We are just waiting to hear that they catch the individual or individuals that did this," he said.
He also pointed out that Lewiston, with its population of 39,000, lacks the resources and infrastructure to effectively respond to such a shooting event.
"Our hospitals are not geared to handle this kind of shooting event, and they're doing the best we can," he explained.
Emergency response teams from across central Maine swiftly arrived to attend to the wounded, while Lewiston's two hospitals "have called in every off-duty staff member that they could to deal with this," McCarthy revealed, adding that the community's "hearts and prayers go out to everybody involved and we're thinking of you."
President Joe Biden, amid a state dinner honoring Australia's prime minister, reached out to Maine's governor, senators, and a local congressman to offer federal assistance, as confirmed by the White House.
Search on for person of interest Robert Card
The gunman responsible for the tragedy has been identified as Robert Card, a 40-year-old military veteran with a history of domestic violence. Authorities have shared images of Card holding what appears to be a semi-automatic rifle at the bowling alley.
"We have hundreds of police officers working around the state of Maine to investigate this case to locate Mr Card, who is a person of interest," Maine Public Safety Commissioner Mike Sauschuck told a news conference.
This devastating incident in Lewiston adds to the alarming statistics, with the United States experiencing more than 500 mass shootings in the current year, as reported by the Gun Violence Archive, an independent organization.
However, initiatives to strengthen gun control measures have long encountered resistance from Republicans who continue to defend the constitutional right to bear arms.
About Robert McCarthy
City Councilor Robert A McCarthy, serving as Ward 2's representative, brings a wealth of experience to his role. He has worked as a Production Manager at KICTeam in Auburn and previously held the same position at the Sun Journal in Lewiston.
McCarthy completed his management and technical courses at USM/LA College and Central Maine Community College, complementing his high school graduation from Lewiston High School in 1975.
McCarthy actively engages with his community. His contributions include serving on the Auburn Lewiston Airport Board of Directors, the Lewiston Finance Committee, and former presidencies of the Lewiston High School Swim Boosters and Soccer Boosters, as well as the Sun Journal Benefit Association.
McCarthy and his wife Janet have built their lives in Lewiston. They have two grown children and seven grandchildren, all of whom are Lewiston residents, showcasing the deep-rooted ties Bob and his family have in the area.
During his leisure time, Bob enjoys sports, including playing softball and disc golf. Additionally, he thrives on his role as a jack of all trades, taking pride in assisting his children with various projects around their homes.
