Lewiston Community Mourns the Loss of 18 Lives in Tragic Shootings
Lewiston, Maine – The close-knit community of Lewiston is coming together to mourn the loss of 18 lives following a series of shootings that took place on Wednesday night. As the town begins to heal, the resilience and hope displayed by its residents are a testament to the strength of the human spirit.
The suspect behind the mass shootings, 40-year-old Robert Card, was discovered dead on Friday night. In the wake of such horror and evil, signs of hope have emerged in the form of 18 crosses placed at the locations where the shootings occurred – Sparetime Recreation and Schemengees Bar and Grille. Alongside the crosses, a list of the victims’ names serves as a poignant reminder of the lives lost.
Bre Allard, a teacher in Lewiston, took it upon herself to create these memorials. She involved her students in making posters for the victims, ensuring that the list of names was continually updated as more information became available.
In a neighboring town, Lisbon, hundreds of people gathered for a candlelight vigil to show their support and solidarity. Embracing one another, lighting candles, and offering prayers, the community began to process the grief that has recently descended upon them.
The impact of the shootings on children has been especially significant. Many parents attest to the fear and anxiety experienced by their young ones, with some children even afraid to venture outside their rooms. However, as time passes and the initial shock subsides, a collective sense of relief begins to emerge.
While the community mourns, investigators have provided updates on the circumstances surrounding the discovery of the suspect’s body. Card was found in the back of a trailer at the Maine Recycling Corporation in Lisbon, approximately a mile away from where he abandoned his car. It was revealed that Card had previously been employed at this location. State officials confirmed the discovery of two firearms near the suspect’s body, with reports from CBS News indicating that he died by self-inflicted gunshot.
Questions have arisen as to how investigators initially missed the property across the street, particularly given that the area had been cleared twice before. Mike Sauschuck, Commissioner of the Maine Department of Public Safety, expressed his commitment to learning from this event and exploring ways in which future situations could be handled more effectively.
During the investigation, over 800 tips were received, with some coming from Card’s own family. In fact, his family members were the first to reach out and provide information to identify him. Search warrants were executed, leading to the discovery of a note in Card’s home intended for his son. Although it was not explicitly labeled as a suicide note, the tone and content of the message indicated that the writer did not intend to survive.
As the details surrounding the shootings continue to emerge, the overwhelming grief felt by the community remains. While there is a glimmer of relief, sadness still hangs heavy in the air. The residents of Lewiston are determined to rebuild their community while honoring the memories of those they have lost.
Jordene Trueh of Topsham encapsulates the prevailing sentiment, acknowledging the initial relief felt by many but conceding that the heartbreaking aftermath of the tragedy remains ever-present: Maybe immediately you kind of feel a sense of relief, but there is still great sadness about the whole situation.
The community of Lewiston stands united in its grief, determined to find solace and healing in the face of unimaginable loss. As they come together, the strength and resilience of the human spirit shine through, offering hope for a brighter future.
