Current:Home > MarketsMaine shooting suspect was 'behaving erratically' during summer: Defense official -Secure Horizon Growth
Maine shooting suspect was 'behaving erratically' during summer: Defense official
View
Date:2025-04-20 11:17:51
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! (712)
Related
- Bill Belichick's salary at North Carolina: School releases football coach's contract details
- See the full 'Dune: Part Two' cast: Who plays Paul, Chani, Feyd-Rautha Harkonnen in 2024 sequel?
- Crystal Kung Minkoff talks 'up-and-down roller coaster' of her eating disorder
- Donna Summer estate sues Ye and Ty Dolla $ign, saying they illegally used ‘I Feel Love’
- As Trump Enters Office, a Ripe Oil and Gas Target Appears: An Alabama National Forest
- Prince Harry was not unfairly stripped of UK security detail after move to US, judge rules
- Emma Stone and Husband Dave McCary Score an Easy A for Their Rare Red Carpet Date Night
- 2024 third base rankings: Jose Ramirez, Austin Riley first off the board
- Could your smelly farts help science?
- In Arizona, abortion politics are already playing out on the Senate campaign trail
Ranking
- 'Vanderpump Rules' star DJ James Kennedy arrested on domestic violence charges
- Michigan takeaways: Presidential primaries show warning signs for Trump and Biden
- Trump lawyers say he’s prepared to post $100 million bond while appealing staggering fraud penalty
- Donna Summer estate sues Ye and Ty Dolla $ign, saying they illegally used ‘I Feel Love’
- Romantasy reigns on spicy BookTok: Recommendations from the internet’s favorite genre
- Mega Millions winning numbers for February 27 drawing as jackpot passes $600 million
- Community searching for answers after nonbinary teen Nex Benedict dies following fight at school
- Texas wildfires forces shutdown at nuclear weapon facility. Here is what we know
Recommendation
Appeals court scraps Nasdaq boardroom diversity rules in latest DEI setback
They’re a path to becoming governor, but attorney general jobs are now a destination, too
Funko pops the premium bubble with limited edition Project Fred toys
It took decades to recover humpback whale numbers in the North Pacific. Then a heat wave killed thousands.
Meet first time Grammy nominee Charley Crockett
Chiefs plan a $800 million renovation to Arrowhead Stadium after the 2026 World Cup
Biden says he hopes for Israel-Hamas cease-fire by Monday
2024 NFL draft: Ohio State's Marvin Harrison Jr. leads top 5 wide receiver prospect list