'Save it!': Senator Susan Collins blasted for stance on gun control after tweet about Maine mass shooter
![Senator Susan Collins under fire for gun control stance following Robert Card's Maine shooting (Getty Images/RobertCard/FB)](http://d2a0gza273xfgz.cloudfront.net/653166/uploads/b57fe270-73eb-11ee-b6d8-ebc05f1ea778_1200_630.jpeg)
LEWISTON, MAINE: A tragic mass shooting in Senator Susan Collins' home state of Maine has reignited a fierce debate on gun control and her stance on the issue.
The shooting, which occurred on Wednesday, October 25, left at least 22 people dead and 30 others injured, while the suspected gunman, Robert Card, is still at large.
Senator Collins, in response to the heartbreaking incident, took to social media expressing, "As our state mourns this horrific mass shooting, we appreciate the support we've received from across the country, including the call I received from President [Joe] Biden offering assistance."
As our state mourns this horrific mass shooting, we appreciate the support weβve received from across the country, including the call I received from President Biden offering assistance.
β Sen. Susan Collins (@SenatorCollins) October 26, 2023
Suspect Robert Card had history of mental health issues and being abusive
The alleged shooter, Robert Card, a military-trained gun instructor, has triggered concerns about the existing laws, specifically regulations governing sale of firearms.
Card had recently spent two weeks in a mental health facility. Official documents have not revealed the details of his illness or the treatment he received during his time in the facility.
![Police have identified Robert Card as the 'person of interest' in the mass shootings in Maine (Lewiston Maine Police Department/Facebook)](http://d6ehjqrqtzoun.cloudfront.net/374d2ba0-e801-46a3-9512-f78e2bbaa75a.jpg)
(Lewiston Maine Police Department)
Disturbingly, prior to the mass shooting, Robert had made threats about carrying out a shooting at a military training camp in Saco, Maine, and had reportedly claimed to hear voices.
Additionally, he had a history of domestic abuse.
The tragedy unfolded at two separate locations, Schemengees Bar and Grille Restaurant and Sparetime Recreation, a bowling alley, as confirmed by the Lewiston Police Department.
When the suspect was spotted behind the wheel of a white 2013 Subaru Outback with license plate number 9246PD, law enforcement issued a 'BOLO' (Be On the Lookout) alert.
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β π‘π©π‘ (@NowVideoNetwork) October 26, 2023
At least 22 people are dead and 50 more injured in a mass shooting in Lewiston, Maine.
The shooter remains at large, described by authorities as armed and extremely dangerous.
The search for the shooter is now called a "manhunt." pic.twitter.com/FMPvDRJX97
As per the most recent updates, Card remains at large and is considered "armed and dangerous." Local authorities have urged Lewiston residents to "shelter in place" and "stay inside your home with the doors locked" to ensure their safety.
Senator Susan Collins faces backlash for her stance on gun control
Collins had earlier used her social media platform to share images of the shooting suspect and his vehicle, urging anyone with information to contact the Lewiston Police Department.
She wrote, "Here is the photo of the shooting suspect. If you have any information to share, please call the Lewiston Police Department at this number 207-513-3001 ext. 3327. Please stay off the streets and allow law enforcement to pursue this suspect."
![Screenshot of tweet posted by the senator (@SenatorCollins/X)](http://d6ehjqrqtzoun.cloudfront.net/e16797b7-1735-43ba-b58b-09967dae664a.jpeg)
However, Senator Collins' efforts to assist in the manhunt for the suspected shooter and her stance on gun control are now under heightened scrutiny.
A user tweeted, "Itβs the God Damned GUNS, Susan. Shove your thoughts and prayers and write the legislation to change our gun laws. #ENOUGH." Another questioned, "Yeh so when will you do something about our gun problem?"
Itβs the God Damned GUNS, Susan. Shove your thoughts and prayers and write the legislation to change our gun laws. #ENOUGH
β Natalie (@secret_agent39) October 26, 2023
A third tweeted, "A reminder to the people of Maine while Susan Collins wrings her hands." Another blasted, "Save it!!! Pass gun safety now!!!!!!"
"Until you vote yes on sensible gun laws just be quiet," read another tweet.
A reminder to the people of Maine while Susan Collins wrings her hands. pic.twitter.com/hxmEx1D694
β Grey_Obelisk (@Grey_Obelisk) October 26, 2023
"Thanks to politicians like Susan Collins, Maine residents have an easier time buying an AR-15, than Cold Medicine," tweeted another fed up Maine resident.
Thanks to politicians like Susan Collins, Maine residents have an easier time buying an AR-15, than Cold Medicine.
β Peace57 (@Loveslight57) October 26, 2023