Manhunt Underway in Maine Mass Shooting

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Facts

  • At least 15 people were killed and 50 wounded in mass shootings at multiple locations in the city of Lewiston, Maine, on Wednesday night, local time.1
  • The mass shooting first took place at Sparetime Recreation, a bowling alley, at approximately 7:00 p.m. local time before the shooter targeted Schemengees Bar and Grille, about 4 miles (6 km) away.2
  • The Lewiston Police Department has identified Robert Card, a member of the US Army Reserves, as a person of interest. Card, 40, is facing eight counts of murder, and police say he is armed and dangerous.3
  • According to law enforcement officials, Card was recently discharged from a mental health facility, and had threatened to open fire on a National Guard base.4
  • Previously, police had shared photos of a bearded man in a brown hoodie and jeans wielding a semi-automatic assault rifle and an abandoned white SUV, asking the public for information.5
  • Authorities have put Lewiston and neighboring towns on lockdown, as police continue to search for Card. Schools and businesses across Maine have closed, including Bates College in Lewiston.6

Sources: 1NBC (a), 2The Guardian, 3CNN, 4Associated Press, 5Al Jazeera and 6NBC (b).

Narratives

  • Democratic narrative, as provided by The New Republic. While Lewiston fell victim to the latest mass shooting in a country that is plagued by gun violence, Republicans continue to offer their same mantra of 'thoughts and prayers.' This cycle of mass shootings and social media statements without any action must end, and the GOP has blood on its hands. Unfortunately, the US has a political party that is owned by the gun lobby.
  • Republican narrative, as provided by PJ Media. America's mental health epidemic has reached a breaking point, yet opportunistic politicians and pundits are gleefully using a tragedy to push their anti-Second Amendment agenda. The tragic Lewiston shooting is another example of a mentally unstable man, who had multiple recorded episodes, acting out the most unthinkable evil. While the media may focus on Robert Card's instrument of destruction, it is much more important to address the root cause of his attack.

Predictions