Mass shooting in Lewiston, Maine, kills 18 people

On October 25, 2023, a deadly mass shooting occurred in Lewiston, Maine, when 40-year-old Army reservist Robert Card opened fire at two separate locations, killing 18 people and injuring 13 others in one of the worst shootings in U.S. history. The first attack took place at a bowling alley during a youth league event, and shortly afterward Card traveled to a nearby bar and grill where he continued shooting. The victims ranged in age from 14 to 76 and included patrons at both locations. Law enforcement responded quickly, launched a large-scale manhunt, and two days later found Card dead from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound near Lisbon, Maine. The shooting became the deadliest in Maine’s history and was later linked to the shooter’s mental health and prior trauma. The tragedy prompted widespread mourning, public vigils, and intense debate over gun safety and mental health interventions. In its aftermath, Maine voters approved expanded red flag gun legislation to allow family members to petition courts for temporary removal of firearms from individuals deemed dangerous, reflecting efforts to prevent similar incidents in the future. Survivors and families of the victims have also pursued legal action, alleging that institutions—including the U.S. Army—failed to act on warning signs before the attack. The Lewiston shooting underscored ongoing national concerns about mass violence, community safety, and the need for effective preventive measures.