Maine releases names of mass shooting victims, search for suspect continues

Authorities in Maine on Friday released the names of the 18 victims who died in a mass shooting at a bowling alley and bar in the town of Lewiston, as a massive search effort for the suspect continues for the second day.  

The names of the 18 victims were read during a press conference Friday evening. A moment of silence was held after the reading. They ranged in age from 14 to 76.  

Robert Card, 40, of Bowdoin, Maine, is wanted on multiple counts of murder. Card is considered armed and dangerous and should not be approached under any circumstances, police said.

Authorities have lifted a shelter-in-place order but asked the public to remain vigilant as they search for Card.

The 18 people who died in the Lewiston shooting

Police are canvassing neighborhoods, combing the woods and dive teams are searching the Androscoggin River near a boat launch where Card's white Subaru was found.

Law enforcement officials have received more than 530 tips and leads from the public so far, said Mike Sauschuck, Maine's public safety commissioner.

Sauschuck was asked Friday whether he was concerned the trail may be growing cold given that Card remains at large as the search continues for a second day.

"Every minute that this goes on, we're more and more concerned," Sauschuck told reporters at a briefing. "That's why we're working 24/7 to bring this individual to justice and to try to bring some closure and overall safety to our communities."

Card is a trained firearms instructor and a sergeant first class in the Army Reserve, where he serves as a petroleum supply specialist. He has no combat deployments on record, according to the U.S. Department of Defense.

As recently as this summer, Card suffered from mental health issues, law enforcement and Defense Department officials told NBC News. His superiors in the Army sent him to an inpatient facility in July after he claimed he was hearing voices and made threats to the base. There, Card underwent psychiatric treatment for two weeks and was then released, officials said.

The rifle used by the gunman was purchased legally this year, law enforcement told NBC News.

Police said a shooter opened fire at the Just-in-Time Recreation bowling alley and Schemengees Bar and Grille on Wednesday evening, killing seven people at the bowling alley and eight people at the bar. Three people were later pronounced dead at the hospital. The two businesses are about 12 minutes apart by car.

The mass shooting has reignited America's long-running but politically stalled debate over gun control.

President Joe Biden on Thursday called for Republican lawmakers to work with Democrats to pass a ban on assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, enact universal background checks and require the safe storage of firearms.

Rep. Jared Golden, D-Maine, on Thursday announced he would support a prohibition on assault weapons, after previously opposing such a ban. Golden represents the congressional district that includes Lewiston.

"I ask for forgiveness and support as I seek to put an end to these terrible shootings," Golden told reporters at a press conference Thursday evening.

Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, demurred when asked whether she would support an assault weapons ban in the wake of the shooting. Collins said outlawing high-capacity magazines would be more effective.