[Image of a forest in Maine. Photo credit: Unsplash]

On October 25th, the disheartening sound of gunfire echoed through a bowling alley and restaurant in Lewiston, Maine.

Maine governor Janet Mills reported that eighteen lives were taken away, and an additional thirteen individuals were injured during the incident. 

According to CBS, the shooting began just before 7 pm, as stated by Maine Public Safety Commissioner Mike Saushuck. 

Witnesses mentioned hearing about 10 shots at the bowling alley, one of the locations targeted in the attack. 

Police confirmed that eight individuals lost their lives at the bowling alley, with an additional eight fatalities at the restaurant.

Tragically, another victim lost their life outside the restaurant, bringing the total number of victims to nine.

The perpetrator of this violent act was identified as a 40-year-old man named Robert Card, who was later confirmed to be enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserve.

The Army disclosed that Card had recently reported mental health issues, including hearing voices and making threats to harm others.

Due to his mental health concerns,  Card had sought care during a few weeks in the summer.

While it is speculated that his mental health may have played a role in the attack, the exact motive remains unclear and unidentified.

Initially a person of interest, Robert Card later became the confirmed suspect in the attack, leading to charges of eight counts of murder, with the possibility of more charges pending, according to the police. 

Despite Card being actively present in the state, he was not immediately apprehended after the attack.

In response,  the police urged Maine residents to stay indoors with locked doors as a precaution. 

As law enforcement intensified efforts to locate Card, investigators discovered that he had a history of encounters with authorities related to his mental health.

This raised questions about the adequacy of mental health support systems and their role in preventing such tragic events.

Later that night, the police released images of the armed attacker holding a gun to seek help from citizens in identifying him, as his identity was unknown at the time of the shooting.

There were speculations that Robert Card had fled to Canada, causing shock and fear among Canadian citizens as well as those in Maine.

After an intensive two-days search, officials confirmed Robert Card’s death on the 27th evening.

He was found around 7:45 pm, and it appeared that he had taken his own life based on the observed wound. 

While the threat of the attacker is no longer present, the grief of the victims’ families remains unchanged.

This shooting has been identified as one of the deadliest in the U.S.  this year. 

All victims have been identified, and their families are grappling with profound grief.

The state is slowly working towards recovery from this devastating and violent shooting attack. 

The community is coming together to support those affected, emphasizing the need for unity and resilience during these challenging times.