On Thursday morning, Portland Public Schools, the largest school district in Maine, made an official announcement via their website that all public schools within the city would remain closed. This decision was prompted by an ongoing manhunt for the suspect responsible for a deadly shooting that had occurred the previous evening. With an enrollment of around 6,500 students, Portland Public Schools is the largest educational institution in the state.

The unsettling events that unfolded began with two separate mass shootings that resulted in a devastating toll: at least 16 fatalities and numerous people left injured. These tragic incidents occurred on a Wednesday night in the city of Lewiston, situated more than 30 miles away from Portland and being the second-largest city in Maine.

Also Read: Was Robert Card in the US military? Suspect identified in connection with Lewiston shooting

The locations of these horrifying events were Sparetime Recreation, a bowling alley on Mollison Way, and Schemengees Bar & Grille Restaurant on Lincoln Street, both in Lewiston. State officials disclosed that these shootings commenced at approximately 6:56 p.m. Eastern Time, leading to chaotic scenes with eyewitnesses describing terrified individuals fleeing from the bowling alley. Alarming reports from a local councilor suggested that the death toll might even climb as high as 22.

Has Robert Card been found?

In their quest to track down the suspect, Lewiston police identified 40-year-old Robert Card of Bowdoin as a person of interest, emphasizing that he should be considered armed and extremely dangerous. Notably, Card holds the status of a certified firearms instructor and is a member of the US Army Reserve. Authorities revealed that Card had made alarming threats regarding a potential shooting at a National Guard facility in Saco, Maine, and had also displayed signs of mental health issues, including auditory hallucinations.

The sheriff’s office released an image of a person regarded as a “suspect for identification” who was seen wearing brown attire while holding a high-powered assault-style rifle. Additionally, the police provided a photograph of the vehicle they are actively seeking, which is a small white SUV with a front bumper that is believed to have been painted black. Maine State Police have confirmed that this vehicle is linked to the suspect.

Also Read: Who is Robert Card? Suspect identified in Lewiston shooting

To assist in the manhunt, Maine officials have mobilized hundreds of law enforcement officers across the state, and the public has been fervently urged to reach out to authorities with any information regarding Card’s whereabouts. The community has been advised to remain in their shelters as the search for the suspect continues.