Former FBI special agent Chad Jenkins raises concerns about the mental health issues of the Maine shooting suspect, Robert Card, and discusses the recent U.S. strikes in Syria. On Wednesday evening, police in Maine discovered the abandoned Subaru Outback belonging to Card, who is suspected of carrying out a shooting rampage that resulted in 18 deaths and 13 injuries at a bar and a bowling alley. Despite being identified by police early on, Card remains at large as authorities intensify their search efforts.
Maine Public Safety Commissioner Mike Sauschuck announced that dive teams, with aerial support, would begin searching the Androscoggin River near the boat ramp where Card’s car was found abandoned. Tactical teams from various law enforcement agencies, including the ATF and FBI, have been executing search warrants at properties linked to the suspect in his hometown of Bowdoin. However, Card has not been located in these areas. Authorities are also exploring the possibility that Card has prepared camps or bunkers in the wilderness.
In addition to local law enforcement, agents from Homeland Security Investigations, the U.S. Marshals, and the Border Patrol’s elite BORTAC unit have been called in to assist in the manhunt. The U.S. Coast Guard has conducted searches in the Kennebec River and Boothbay Harbor. Meanwhile, the public has been urged to report any potential sightings or information related to Card’s whereabouts.
The investigation has led authorities to the Pejepscot Boat Ramp in Topsham, Maine, where Card’s abandoned car was found. Vehicle records indicate that Card, who has posted fishing selfies on Facebook, owns multiple boats, one of which is currently unaccounted for. Police suspect that Card may have fled in a different vehicle to mislead law enforcement. Given Card’s military experience, experts believe he may have knowledge of infrared search techniques and could be taking measures to disguise himself from such technology.
Unconfirmed sightings of Card have been reported in Boothbay Harbor, Massachusetts, and even New York City. It is also believed that Card may be monitoring news coverage of the case and following police activity with a scanner. The extensive media attention surrounding the manhunt has made it challenging for authorities to track him down.
Authorities have revealed that Card has a history of mental illness, including hearing voices and making threats to shoot up a National Guard base. Questions have been raised about why he still had access to firearms despite the state’s “Yellow Flag” law, which should have allowed police to seek a medical evaluation for him after the incident.
As a result of the ongoing manhunt and the threat posed by Card, the community of Lewiston and its surrounding areas have been placed under a lockdown order. Streets are mostly empty, and many businesses have closed their doors. The public is urged to contact the police with any information about Card’s whereabouts.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
