Current:Home > InvestCharles Langston:Maine shooting suspect was 'behaving erratically' during summer: Defense official -Mastery Money Tools
Charles Langston:Maine shooting suspect was 'behaving erratically' during summer: Defense official
Surpassing View
Date:2025-04-09 11:06:48
A manhunt is Charles Langstonunderway for the suspect in a mass shooting in Maine that killed at least 18 people and wounded 13 others, officials said.
The mass shooting unfolded in two locations in Lewiston on Wednesday evening: a bowling alley where a children's league was taking place and a local bar, officials said.
The Androscoggin County Sheriff's Office released a photo Tuesday night of the suspect brandishing a semi-automatic rifle at one of the locations.
The suspected gunman -- identified as 40-year-old Robert Card -- has been a U.S. Army reservist since December 2002, the Army confirmed. His current rank is as a sergeant first class and his job is a petroleum supply specialist. He has no combat deployments.
Authorities found the suspect’s white Subaru at a location in Lisbon, several miles southeast of Lewiston, Wednesday night, sources said. The abandoned car was a critical piece of evidence in allowing police to focus on Card, multiple law enforcement officials told ABC News.
An arrest warrant has been issued against Card for eight counts of murder for the victims who have been identified so far, officials said. The arrest warrant will be updated when the other 10 victims are identified.
"Mr. Card is considered armed and dangerous, and police advise that Maine people should not approach him under any circumstances," Maine Gov. Janet Mills said during a press briefing on Wednesday.
MORE: Maine mass shooting live updates
Maine officials did not speak to a potential motive, but said they are looking into Card's mental health when asked during the press briefing about his background and gun possession.
"I know that we will be reviewing that information as we move forward, but that's not an answer that we're prepared to give today," Maine Department of Public Safety Commissioner Mike Sauschuck said.
"There’s still an active search for the suspect in question," he said.
A U.S. Defense Department official confirmed to ABC News that Card was "behaving erratically" while deployed over the summer with his Army Reserve Unit to Camp Smith Training Center in upstate New York to support summer training for West Point cadets.
Leaders of the Army Reserve's 3rd Battalion, 304th Infantry Regiment informed garrison staff at the training site about his behavior on July 17, the defense official said.
"Out of concern for his safety, the unit requested that law enforcement be contacted," the official said.
MORE: Maine shooting timeline: How the mass shootings in Lewiston unfolded
New York State Police officers responded and transported Card to Keller Army Community Hospital at the U.S. Military Academy for medical evaluation, the official said.
New York State Police has stationed armed troopers at the entrances to Camp Smith as a precaution to beef up the armed security, according to the official.
No further details were released by the official.
Card was not assigned to West Point as any sort of instructor, including firearms, an academy official told ABC News.
"While his unit supported West Point summer training, our records indicate he did not instruct nor have any interactions with cadets in training," the official said.
Card's military service awards include the Army Achievement Medal, Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal and Army Service Ribbon.
veryGood! (6446)
Related
- Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Hi Hi!
- Amid Boom, U.S. Solar Industry Fears End of Government Incentives
- Spain approves menstrual leave, teen abortion and trans laws
- A Longchamp Resurgence Is Upon Us: Shop the Iconic Le Pliage Tote Bags Without Paying Full Price
- South Korean president's party divided over defiant martial law speech
- Nathan Carman, man charged with killing mother in 2016 at sea, dies in New Hampshire while awaiting trial
- Texas Gov. Abbott signs bill banning transgender athletes from participating on college sports teams aligned with their gender identities
- Conor McGregor accused of violently sexually assaulting a woman in a bathroom at NBA Finals game
- Justice Department, Louisville reach deal after probe prompted by Breonna Taylor killing
- Kim Zolciak Shares Message About Love and Consideration Amid Kroy Biermann Divorce
Ranking
- South Korea's acting president moves to reassure allies, calm markets after Yoon impeachment
- Clues to Bronze Age cranial surgery revealed in ancient bones
- Regulators Demand Repair of Leaking Alaska Gas Pipeline, Citing Public Hazard
- Ring the Alarm: Beyoncé Just Teased Her New Haircare Line
- Taylor Swift makes surprise visit to Kansas City children’s hospital
- Maryland Climate Ruling a Setback for Oil and Gas Industry
- Trump golf course criminal investigation is officially closed, Westchester D.A. says
- Demi Moore and Emma Heming Willis Fiercely Defend Tallulah Willis From Body-Shamers
Recommendation
Federal Spending Freeze Could Have Widespread Impact on Environment, Emergency Management
This Racism Is Killing Me Inside
Amid Boom, U.S. Solar Industry Fears End of Government Incentives
'Do I really need to floss?' and other common questions about dental care
'Most Whopper
Avalanches Menace Colorado as Climate Change Raises the Risk
Millions Now at Risk From Oil and Gas-Related Earthquakes, Scientists Say
The Fed is taking a break in hiking interest rates. Here's why.