Robert Card

Mass Murderer

Robert Card and the 2023 Lewiston Mass Shooting

Overview

Robert Russell Card II was responsible for the October 25, 2023, mass shooting in Lewiston, Maine, that killed 18 people and wounded 13 others. Card attacked two public gathering places within approximately 15 minutes: Just-In-Time Recreation, a bowling alley hosting a youth bowling league, and Schemengees Bar & Grille Restaurant, where patrons were participating in a cornhole tournament. The shootings became the deadliest act of mass murder in Maine history. Card was 40 years old and lived in Bowdoin, Maine. He had served in the United States Army Reserve since December 2002 and held the rank of sergeant first class. Although he had military experience and had worked with a unit that trained cadets in the use of hand grenades, the Army later clarified that he was not a trained military firearms instructor and had never been deployed to a combat zone.

Warning Signs Before the Massacre

During the months preceding the shooting, Card's relatives and fellow Army reservists reported a dramatic deterioration in his behavior. Family members told authorities that he had become increasingly paranoid and believed people were making insulting statements about him. He reportedly claimed that he could hear individuals accusing him of being a pedophile and believed that these statements were being repeated at businesses he visited. In May 2023, members of Card's family contacted the Sagadahoc County Sheriff's Office and expressed concern about his mental condition and access to firearms. His behavior became more alarming during military training near the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York, in July 2023. Fellow reservists reported that he was acting erratically and making threatening statements. New York State Police transported Card to an Army hospital for evaluation. He was subsequently admitted to a psychiatric facility for approximately two weeks. Medical personnel prescribed medication, but Card reportedly stopped taking it after his release. The Army restricted him from handling military weapons and declared him nondeployable. In September 2023, one of Card's fellow soldiers sent an explicit warning that he believed Card was going to lose control and carry out a mass shooting. The soldier described Card as armed, dangerous and capable of attacking the Army Reserve facility in Saco, Maine. Deputies attempted to conduct wellness checks at Card's residence but did not make direct contact with him. His privately owned firearms were not removed.

The Shooting at Just-In-Time Recreation

At approximately 6:54 p.m. on Wednesday, October 25, 2023, Card entered Just-In-Time Recreation on Mollison Way in Lewiston. The bowling alley was busy with families, employees and members of a youth bowling league. Surveillance images showed Card carrying a semiautomatic rifle. Card opened fire shortly after entering the building. His rifle initially malfunctioned, briefly interrupting the attack. Michael Deslauriers II and Jason Walker attempted to confront and disarm him while others fled or hid. Both men were killed during their effort to stop the gunman. The attack inside the bowling alley lasted less than one minute. Card fired multiple rounds before leaving the building. Seven people were killed at the bowling alley, including 14-year-old Aaron Young, his father William Young, and Robert and Lucille Violette, a married couple closely associated with the local bowling community. Several other people were wounded. ...

Confirmed Victims: (18)

Bill Young 44 yr old Male

2023 Lewiston shootings - Wikipedia