US NATIONAL NEWS

Maine towns are locked down and search is on for shooter who killed at least 16 people and escaped

Published

3 years ago

October 26, 2023

LEWISTON, Maine (AP) — A man shot and killed at least 16 people at a restaurant and a bowling alley in Maine and then fled into the night, sparking a massive search by hundreds of officers while frightened residents stayed locked in their homes Thursday under a shelter-in-place advisory.

A police bulletin identified Robert Card, 40, as a person of interest in the attack in Lewiston that sent panicked bowlers scrambling behind pins, into corners and a back room when shots rang out around 7 p.m. Wednesday. Card was described as a firearms instructor believed to be in the U.S. Army Reserve and assigned to a training facility in Saco, Maine.

The document, circulated to law enforcement officials, said Card had been committed to a mental health facility for two weeks in the summer of 2023. It did not provide details about his treatment or condition but said Card had reported “hearing voices and threats to shoot up” the military base. A telephone number listed for Card in public records was not in service.

Lewiston Police said in an earlier Facebook post that they were dealing with an active shooter incident at Schemengees Bar and Grille and at Sparetime Recreation, a bowling alley about 4 miles (6.4 kilometers) away. A number of parents and children were at Sparetime as part of a children’s bowling league.

Ten-year-old Zoey Levesque, who was there with her mother, told WMTW-TV she was grazed by a bullet.

“It’s scary,” she said. “I had never thought I’d grow up and get a bullet in my leg. And it’s just like, why? Why do people do this?”

One bowler, who identified himself only as Brandon, said he heard about 10 shots, thinking the first was a balloon popping.

“I had my back turned to the door. And as soon as I turned and saw it was not a balloon — he was holding a weapon — I just booked it,” he told The Associated Press.

Brandon said he scrambled down the length of the alley, sliding into the pin area and climbing up to hide in the machinery. He was among a busload of survivors who were driven to a middle school in the neighboring city of Auburn to be reunited with family and friends.

“I was putting on my bowling shoes when when it started. I’ve been barefoot for five hours,” he said.

The bowling alley is home to traditional tenpin bowling as well as candlepin, a variant of bowling found in New England. It’s located about 2 miles (3.2 kilometers) north of the Bates College campus, on the outskirts of downtown. The alley has a small bar and is popular for local bowling leagues and children’s parties.

Wednesday was “industry night” at Schemengees Bar and Grille, with 25% discounts offered to customers who work in the bar or restaurant industry.

“In a split second your world gets turn upside down for no good reason,” the business posted online, saying “great people in this community” were lost.

Melinda Small, the owner of the Legends Sports Bar and Grill, said her staff immediately locked their doors and moved all 25 customers and employees away from the doors after a customer reported hearing about the shooting at the bowling alley less than a quarter-mile away. Soon, the police flooded the roadway and a police officer eventually escorted everyone out of the building.

“I am honestly in a state of shock. I am blessed that my team responded quickly and everyone is safe,” Small said. “But at the same time, my heart is broken for this area and for what everyone is dealing with. I just feel numb.”

After the shooting, police, many armed with rifles, took up positions while the city descended into eerie quiet — punctuated by occasional sirens — as people hunkered down at home. Schools as far away as Kennebunk, more than 50 miles (80 kilometers) from Lewiston, closed out of caution on Thursday. And schools and public buildings were closed in Portland, the state’s largest city.

Many businesses decided to close Thursday. Central Maine Healthcare said it was closing all physician offices in Lewiston and six surrounding communities. All elective surgery was canceled at Central Maine Medical Center.

The Androscoggin County Sheriff’s Office released two photos of the suspect on its Facebook page that showed the shooter walking into an establishment with a weapon raised to his shoulder.

Two law enforcement officials told the AP that at least 16 people were killed and the toll was expected to rise. However, Michael Sauschuck, commissioner of the Maine Department of Public Safety, declined to provide a specific estimate at a news conference, calling it a “fluid situation.” State police planned to hold a midmorning news conference Thursday.

It’s the 36th mass killing in the United States this year, according to a database maintained by The Associated Press and USA Today in partnership with Northeastern University.

The two law enforcement officials said dozens of people also had been wounded. The officials were not authorized to publicly discuss details of the ongoing investigation and spoke to AP on condition of anonymity.

On its website, Central Maine Medical Center said staff were “reacting to a mass casualty, mass shooter event” and were coordinating with area hospitals to take in patients. The hospital was locked down and police, some armed with rifles, stood by the entrances.

Meanwhile, hospitals as far away as Portland, about 35 miles (56 kilometers) to the south, were on alert to potentially receive victims.

Lewiston, the second largest city in Maine with a population of 37,000, emerged as a major center for African immigration into Maine. The Somali population, which numbers in the thousands, has changed the demographics of the once overwhelmingly white mill city into one of the most diverse in northern New England.

A shelter-in-place advisory was issued Wednesday night for Androscoggin County. That included the community of Lisbon, about 8 miles (13 kilometers) away, after a “vehicle of interest” was found there, authorities said. It was extended Thursday to Bowdoin, which is in Sagadachoc County.

Gov. Janet Mills released a statement echoing instructions for people to shelter. President Joe Biden spoke by phone to Mills and the state’s Senate and House members, offering “full federal support in the wake of this horrific attack,” a White House statement said.

Wednesday’s death toll was staggering for a state that in 2022 had 29 homicides the entire year.

Author Stephen King responded to the shootings Thursday morning in a pair of posts on X, formerly known as Twitter.

“The shootings occurred less than 50 miles from where I live. I went to high school in Lisbon. It’s the rapid-fire killing machines, people. This is madness in the name of freedom. Stop electing apologists for murder,” he wrote.

Maine doesn’t require permits to carry guns, and the state has a longstanding culture of gun ownership that is tied to its traditions of hunting and sport shooting.

Some recent attempts by gun control advocates to tighten the state’s gun laws have failed. Proposals to require background checks for private gun sales and create a 72-hour waiting period for gun purchases failed earlier this year. Proposals that focused on school security and banning bump stocks failed in 2019.

State residents have also voted down some attempts to tighten gun laws in Maine. A proposal to require background checks for gun sales failed in a 2016 public vote.

Related Topics:crime and courts mass shootings

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US NATIONAL NEWS

Rubio, Jaishankar Discuss Strait of Hormuz Security During Diplomatic Call

Published

4 days ago

June 13, 2026

FNN NEWS

Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar discussed maritime security, commercial shipping and recent developments in the Strait of Hormuz.

WASHINGTON (FNN NEWS) — U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar to discuss recent developments in the Strait of Hormuz, according to a State Department readout released Friday.

According to Principal Deputy Spokesperson Tommy Pigott, the conversation focused on maritime security and commercial shipping in one of the world’s most strategically important waterways.

Focus on Maritime Security

During the call, Rubio stressed that commercial vessels operating in the Strait of Hormuz should immediately comply with instructions issued by U.S. forces as they work to maintain regional peace and security.

The secretary also emphasized U.S. concerns regarding the transportation of Iranian oil and warned that violations of U.S. enforcement measures would not be tolerated.

Critical Global Waterway

The Strait of Hormuz serves as a vital shipping route connecting the Persian Gulf to international markets and is one of the world’s most important energy transit corridors. Any disruption to commercial traffic through the region can have significant implications for global energy supplies and international trade.

The call highlights continued diplomatic coordination between the United States and India on regional security issues and freedom of navigation in key international waterways.

Florida

Alan Grayson Returns to Politics, Eyes Cory Mills’ Congressional Seat

Published

5 days ago

June 12, 2026

FNN NEWS

SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. (FNN) — Former U.S. Congressman Alan Grayson, one of Florida’s most recognizable Democratic firebrands, has entered the race for Florida’s 7th Congressional District, setting up what could become one of the state’s most closely watched congressional contests of 2026.

Grayson’s late entry adds a high-profile name to the Democratic primary as the party seeks to unseat incumbent U.S. Representative Cory Mills. The race is expected to generate significant political attention and sharp contrasts between Democrats and Republicans heading into the August primary and November general election.

THE RETURN OF A DEMOCRATIC FIREBRAND

Among Democrats, Grayson remains known for his outspoken criticism of Republican leaders and his combative political style. Supporters view him as a proven campaigner and effective debater who built a national profile during his time in Congress.

Grayson was first elected to Congress in 2008, representing Florida’s 8th Congressional District. After serving one term, he was defeated by a Republican challenger in 2010. He returned to Congress in 2012 after winning election in Florida’s 9th Congressional District and served two additional terms in the U.S. House of Representatives.

ETHICS QUESTIONS SURROUND INCUMBENT

Mills enters the race while facing ongoing scrutiny related to ethics matters.

The Office of Congressional Ethics previously investigated Mills and reported that government contracts had been awarded to entities owned by Mills since January 2024. In November 2025, the House Ethics Committee established an investigative subcommittee to examine allegations involving potential fraud and two reported incidents involving Mills’ conduct toward women.

Mills has denied wrongdoing.

DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY TAKES SHAPE

Grayson joins a Democratic field that includes former Navy nuclear reactor plant supervisor Marialana Kinter and former NASA’s Chief of Staff Bale Dalton.

The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee has identified Florida’s 7th Congressional District as a top target in Democrats’ effort to regain control of the U.S. House of Representatives and backed Dalton.

REPUBLICAN CHALLENGERS EMERGE

On the Republican side, former FOX 35 news anchor Ryan Elijah, businesswoman Sarah Ulrich, and self-described “Reagan Republican” Don Johnson are challenging Mills in the Republican primary.

LOOKING AHEAD

With Grayson’s entry, Florida’s 7th Congressional District is poised to become one of the state’s most competitive and closely followed races. The contest now features a well-known Democratic firebrand, an incumbent facing ethics scrutiny, and multiple challengers from both parties seeking to capitalize on voter dissatisfaction and shifting political dynamics.

Florida’s primary election is scheduled for Aug. 18, 2026.

#AlanGrayson #CoryMills #FL07 #FloridaPolitics #CongressionalRace #Election2026 #Democrats #Republicans #SeminoleCounty #FloridaNationalNews

Sports

USMNT Opens FIFA World Cup 2026 With Historic 4-1 Victory Over Paraguay

Published

5 days ago

June 12, 2026

FNN SPORTS

LOS ANGELES (FNN SPORTS) — The U.S. Men’s National Team opened its FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign in impressive fashion, defeating Paraguay 4-1 before a crowd of 70,492 at Los Angeles Stadium.

Forward Folarin Balogun scored twice in the first half, while midfielder Gio Reyna added a late goal as the United States collected three points in its Group D opener and moved to the top of the standings.

The crowd was the seventh-largest ever to watch the USMNT in a FIFA World Cup match and the largest since the 1994 World Cup. The four-goal performance also marked the highest-scoring World Cup match in U.S. men’s national team history.

Fast Start Sets the Tone

The match began at a frantic pace, with both teams creating scoring opportunities in the opening minutes. Paraguay tested goalkeeper Matt Freese less than two minutes into his World Cup debut, but the Americans responded immediately.

The United States opened the scoring in the seventh minute when Paraguay midfielder Damián Bobadilla redirected a pass into his own net following a dangerous attacking sequence involving Christian Pulisic and Weston McKennie.

The Americans continued to control possession and create chances, eventually doubling their lead in the 31st minute.

Balogun Makes World Cup History

Pulisic delivered a pinpoint cross into the penalty area, where Balogun finished clinically into the lower-right corner for his first FIFA World Cup goal.

Balogun struck again in first-half stoppage time after receiving a long pass from Malik Tillman. The striker fought through a challenge, beat another defender and curled a left-footed shot into the upper-left corner to give the United States a commanding 3-0 halftime lead.

The brace made Balogun the first American player to score two goals in a World Cup match since 1930.

Defense Holds Strong

Head coach Mauricio Pochettino made one lineup change from the team’s final World Cup send-off match against Germany, inserting center back Chris Richards after his recovery from an ankle injury.

Richards anchored a defense that included veteran captain Tim Ream and World Cup debutants Alex Freeman and Matt Freese. The U.S. limited Paraguay to just one shot on target throughout the match.

Paraguay’s lone goal came in the 73rd minute when Mauricio capitalized on a loose ball following a free-kick sequence to cut the deficit to 3-1.

Reyna Finishes the Job

The Americans continued pressing for a fourth goal deep into stoppage time. In the eighth minute of added time, substitute Gio Reyna received a pass from Alex Freeman, turned toward goal and curled a brilliant shot into the left side of the net to seal the 4-1 victory.

The United States outshot Paraguay 16-9 and dominated much of the match while allowing only one shot on goal.

Group D Standings

With the victory, the United States temporarily sits atop Group D. Australia and Türkiye were scheduled to play later in the day at BC Place in Vancouver.

The Americans continue group play on June 19 in Seattle against Australia before returning to Los Angeles on June 25 to face Türkiye in the final Group D match.