Current:Home > MyMaine shooting suspect was 'behaving erratically' during summer: Defense official -WealthRoots Academy
Maine shooting suspect was 'behaving erratically' during summer: Defense official
View
Date:2025-04-12 13:09:17
A manhunt is underway for the suspect in a mass shooting in Maine that killed at least 18 people and wounded 13 others, officials said.
The mass shooting unfolded in two locations in Lewiston on Wednesday evening: a bowling alley where a children's league was taking place and a local bar, officials said.
The Androscoggin County Sheriff's Office released a photo Tuesday night of the suspect brandishing a semi-automatic rifle at one of the locations.
The suspected gunman -- identified as 40-year-old Robert Card -- has been a U.S. Army reservist since December 2002, the Army confirmed. His current rank is as a sergeant first class and his job is a petroleum supply specialist. He has no combat deployments.
Authorities found the suspect’s white Subaru at a location in Lisbon, several miles southeast of Lewiston, Wednesday night, sources said. The abandoned car was a critical piece of evidence in allowing police to focus on Card, multiple law enforcement officials told ABC News.
An arrest warrant has been issued against Card for eight counts of murder for the victims who have been identified so far, officials said. The arrest warrant will be updated when the other 10 victims are identified.
"Mr. Card is considered armed and dangerous, and police advise that Maine people should not approach him under any circumstances," Maine Gov. Janet Mills said during a press briefing on Wednesday.
MORE: Maine mass shooting live updates
Maine officials did not speak to a potential motive, but said they are looking into Card's mental health when asked during the press briefing about his background and gun possession.
"I know that we will be reviewing that information as we move forward, but that's not an answer that we're prepared to give today," Maine Department of Public Safety Commissioner Mike Sauschuck said.
"There’s still an active search for the suspect in question," he said.
A U.S. Defense Department official confirmed to ABC News that Card was "behaving erratically" while deployed over the summer with his Army Reserve Unit to Camp Smith Training Center in upstate New York to support summer training for West Point cadets.
Leaders of the Army Reserve's 3rd Battalion, 304th Infantry Regiment informed garrison staff at the training site about his behavior on July 17, the defense official said.
"Out of concern for his safety, the unit requested that law enforcement be contacted," the official said.
MORE: Maine shooting timeline: How the mass shootings in Lewiston unfolded
New York State Police officers responded and transported Card to Keller Army Community Hospital at the U.S. Military Academy for medical evaluation, the official said.
New York State Police has stationed armed troopers at the entrances to Camp Smith as a precaution to beef up the armed security, according to the official.
No further details were released by the official.
Card was not assigned to West Point as any sort of instructor, including firearms, an academy official told ABC News.
"While his unit supported West Point summer training, our records indicate he did not instruct nor have any interactions with cadets in training," the official said.
Card's military service awards include the Army Achievement Medal, Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal and Army Service Ribbon.
veryGood! (549)
Related
- Small twin
- SAG-AFTRA defends Alec Baldwin as he faces a new charge in the 'Rust' fatal shooting
- Horoscopes Today, January 25, 2024
- Music student from China convicted of harassing person over democracy leaflet
- Romantasy reigns on spicy BookTok: Recommendations from the internet’s favorite genre
- Biden unveils nearly $5 billion in new infrastructure projects
- New Jersey weighs ending out-of-pocket costs for women who seek abortions
- Where do things stand with the sexual assault case involving 2018 Canada world junior players?
- Paula Abdul settles lawsuit with former 'So You Think You Can Dance' co
- Business Insider to lay off around 8% of employees in latest media job cuts
Ranking
- Jamie Foxx reps say actor was hit in face by a glass at birthday dinner, needed stitches
- Horoscopes Today, January 25, 2024
- Artist who performed nude in 2010 Marina Abramovic exhibition sues MoMA over sexual assault claims
- The 'mob wife' aesthetic is in. But what about the vintage fur that comes with it?
- Federal Spending Freeze Could Have Widespread Impact on Environment, Emergency Management
- Former WWE employee files sex abuse lawsuit against the company and Vince McMahon
- JN.1 takes over as the most prevalent COVID-19 variant. Here's what you need to know
- U.S. sets plans to protect endangered whales near offshore wind farms; firms swap wind leases
Recommendation
Whoopi Goldberg is delightfully vile as Miss Hannigan in ‘Annie’ stage return
Chinese foreign minister visits North Korea in latest diplomacy between countries
Who invented butter chicken? A court is expected to decide.
The 'mob wife' aesthetic is in. But what about the vintage fur that comes with it?
Sam Taylor
Ring will no longer allow police to request users' doorbell camera footage
The Best Faux Fur Coats for Your Inner Mob Wife Aesthetic
SAG-AFTRA defends Alec Baldwin as he faces a new charge in the 'Rust' fatal shooting