The mass shootings have been a sad reality in the United States for decades, leaving a trail of victims, devastation and pain in their path. Over the years, several of these incidents have stood out for their high lethality. The latest of these incidents occurred Wednesday afternoon in Lewiston, Maine, highlighted the need for a rapid and effective response by law enforcement to ensure the safety of the community. The ongoing search for suspect Robert Card is a priority, and authorities are working to bring him to justice.
Mass shootings have left scars on American history and led to intense debates about the gun controlthe mental health and the public security. Despite continued efforts to address the problem of gun violence in the country, these tragic events continue to occur at an alarming rate.
Relatively easy access to firearms and lack of effective regulation are factors contributing to the persistence of gun violence in the United States.. Gun control advocates argue that stricter measures should be implemented, such as more rigorous background checks and restrictions on the possession of assault firearms.
Mental health also plays a big role in many of these shootings. In several of the cases mentioned, the perpetrators had unaddressed mental health issues. Security in public places, such as schools and festivals, is another important issue that has become critical on the national security agenda.
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Robert Card, who has been identified as a person of interest, remains on the run.
Facebook / Lewiston Maine Police Department
America’s deadliest mass shootings
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Las Vegas Strip – 10/1/2017
The Las Vegas Strip shooting remains one of the deadliest events in United States history. On October 1, 2017, a gunman fired shots from the 32nd floor of the Mandalay Bay hotel into a crowd attending a music festival on the concourse. This act of violence left 60 people dead and 544 injured, making it a tragic reminder of the vulnerability of crowds at public events. -
Pulse Nightclub – 06/12/2016
The second deadliest shooting took place at the Pulse Nightclub in Orlando, Florida, on June 12, 2016. A gunman opened fire at the nightclub, killing 49 people and wounding 53 others. This devastating attack, targeting the LGBTQ+ community, shocked the country and highlighted the need to address hate and violence directed towards minorities. -
Virginia Tech – 04/16/2007
The Virginia Tech shooting occurred on April 16, 2007 in Blacksburg, Virginia. An armed college student killed 32 people and wounded 29 others on the campus of Virginia Tech. This tragic incident sparked a national debate about safety on college campuses and access to firearms. -
Sandy Hook Elementary School – 12/14/2012
The shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut, on December 14, 2012, left an indelible wound on the American conscience. A gunman killed 27 people, including 20 first-graders, in one of the most devastating education-related tragedies in the country’s history. This event sparked renewed debate about gun control and school safety. -
First Baptist Church – 5/11/2017
The shooting at First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs, Texas, occurred on November 5, 2017, when a gunman opened fire at a Sunday church service. This tragic event resulted in the death of 25 people and left 20 injured. The local and national community response to this tragedy underscored the importance of solidarity in times of crisis.
The recent shooting in Maine
Adding to the tragic list of deadly shootings in the United States, the recent incident in Lewiston, Maine, left 22 people dead and around 60 injured. On October 26, 2023, a gunman opened fire at a bowling alley and bar in Lewiston, where he opened fire. Authorities identified the “suspect of interest” as Robert Card, 40, who remains at large and is wanted by police.
