Maine Mass Shooting: Gunman Targets Deaf Community
In a shocking and tragic incident, a mass shooting took place in Lewiston, Maine, where the gunman, identified as Robert Card, targeted members of the deaf community who were participating in a cornhole tournament.
This attack, which occurred on Wednesday night, resulted in at least 18 fatalities and 13 injuries.
Card, who had recently been prescribed hearing aids, is believed to have struggled with mental health issues, including schizophrenia.
The assailant is still at large, and the community is left in shock and mourning the loss of their loved ones.
Hearing Aids and Mental Health Struggles
In the months leading up to the shooting, Robert Card had been prescribed hearing aids.
However, instead of improving his hearing, he claimed that these devices made him hear people criticizing him.
This perception of being criticized through the hearing aids seemed to have contributed to his deteriorating mental health.
Card’s sister-in-law described his struggle with mental health issues over the past year, where he believed that people were speaking negatively about him, even though this wasn’t the case.
The intersection of hearing impairment, mental health, and access to firearms raises questions about the need for better support and mental health services.
The Deaf Community Mourns Its Loss
The tragedy unfolded during a cornhole tournament hosted at Schemengee’s Bar & Grille, a venue known for its deaf community gatherings.
Among the victims were Bryan MacFarlane, Steven Vozzella, Bill Brackett, and Joshua Seal, well-known figures within the deaf community.
Joshua Seal, an American Sign Language interpreter, was not only a professional but also a devoted family man who played an active role in promoting sign language.
The devastating loss of these individuals has left the deaf community and their loved ones in mourning.
The Search for the Suspect
Robert Card remains on the run, and law enforcement agencies have launched a massive manhunt to locate him.
He is believed to have military training and the skills to survive in the wild, making his capture more challenging.
He left behind his cell phone to avoid detection and had a concerning online search history, including conspiracy theories, concerns about a financial crisis, and commentary about various issues.
His history of mental health issues and military training make his capture a top priority for law enforcement.
Ongoing Investigation
The investigation continues, with law enforcement searching for Card in and around the rural areas where the shootings occurred.
The community remains on edge, with schools, doctor’s offices, and stores closing as a precaution.
A house in Bowdoin, Maine, believed to be connected to the suspect, became a focal point of the investigation.
Police activity at the property was described as “tactical,” and it was part of the broader efforts to locate and apprehend Card.
This devastating incident sheds light on the importance of mental health support and gun control measures, as well as the need to address the intersection of mental health and access to firearms.
The pursuit of the suspect continues as the community grapples with the immense loss caused by this tragic event.