Today so far
A suspect in the killing of 18 people and wounding of 13 in two shootings in Maine was on the run on Thursday as authorities issued arrest warrants for multiple counts of murder.
Police named 40-year-old Robert Card, an army reservist and firearms instructor, as the suspect in the Wednesday-night killings at a bowling alley and restaurant in Lewiston. Card, who has a history of mental illness, was described as “armed and dangerous”.
His car was discovered shortly before midnight in Lisbon, about 8 miles from the murder scenes. Officials urged residents in both towns and surrounding areas to shelter in place as a multistate manhunt involving hundreds of law enforcement personnel continued searching forests, waterways and small towns.
Card’s car was found near a boat ramp. The coast guard was searching the Kennebec River though authorities would not comment on whether they suspected he had escaped by water.
Janet Mills, the Democratic governor, said the community was just beginning to come to terms with the murders.“This is a dark day for Maine,” she said.
Card’s family is reportedly working with law enforcement and has urged him to surrender.
Seven of the victims, six male and one female, were killed at the alley, Ross said. Eight others, all male, died at the restaurant. Three more died in the hospital. John Alexander, the chief medical officer of Central Maine Healthcare, said three of the wounded were in critical condition.
Agents from federal agencies including the FBI, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and theDepartment of Homeland Security (DHS) arrived in Maine to join the search and investigation.
Updated
Bryan MacFarlane, 40, loved his motorbike and his dog
Details have started to emerge of the victims of the largest mass shooting of 2023 so far. Here’s what we know about them.
Bryan MacFarlane
Bryan MacFarlane, 40, was killed at Schemengees Bar & Grille while playing cornhole, his sister Keri told CNN. She said he was part of the “tight-knit” local deaf community who gather there on Wednesdays to play the game.
MacFarlane, who also loved his motorbike and his dog, was one of the first deaf people in Vermont to get a commercial truck driving license. “Many states don’t let deaf drive trucks so I’m very proud of him for achieving that. He worked as a truck driver for several years,” Brooks said.
– Guardian staff and agencies
