Maine Governor Janet Mills confirms 18 dead, 13 injured, says 'city did not deserve this terrible assault'
LEWISTON, MAINE: Eighteen people were shot to death in the mass shooting in Maine, according to Governor Janet Mills who also added that thirteen others were also injured in the incident.
The horrifying shooting took place at a bowling alley and a nearby bar where the gunman opened fire on Wednesday, October 25, reported the New York Post.
Janet Mills turned emotional at the briefing addressing mass shooting
During a press briefing on Thursday, October 26, Mills got emotional addressing the mass shooting that shocked the city.
"I love this city just like I love the whole state," said Mills who met and married her husband in Maine.
"This city did not deserve this terrible assault on its citizens, on its peace of mind ... No city does, no state, no people," she added.
Who is Maine mass shooting suspect Robert Card?
At a press conference on Thursday, October 26, Public Safety Commissioner Mike Sauschuck confirmed that Robert Card, 40, is officially a suspect in the mass shooting in Lewiston.
CBS News journalist David Begnaud tweeted that the gunman from Bowdoin Centre, Maine is a certified weapons instructor and is believed to be in the Army Reserve.
He was admitted to a mental health institution in the summer of 2023 for two weeks after disclosing mental health difficulties.
What are the charges against Robert Card?
The eight murder warrants for the 40-year-old shooter will likely rise to 18 counts once the victims of the deadly shooting are identified.
On Wednesday night, fifteen of the 18 victims fatally shot in Maine were pronounced dead at the scene, according to Col William Ross of the Maine State Police.
He further explained that three other victims died after they were transferred to nearby hospitals.
Seven of the victims who were found dead at the scene were one woman and six men. They were shot at Sparetime Recreation.
Eight other victims were killed at Schemengees Bar and Grille and identification of ten of the victims has not been disclosed yet.
Manhunt for 'dangerous' Robert Card is underway as multiple cities and towns are in lockdown
As the mass shooting suspect Card is currently on the loose, multiple cities and towns are in lockdown amid a manhunt.
Ross also warned people not to approach the gunman as he is "armed and dangerous."
Authorities have urged them to contact them if they see the suspect, Ross said at the press conference on Thursday, October 26.