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

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Photo: Steven Senne/AP.

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.

US NATIONAL NEWS

Remembering Lynette “Diamond” Hardaway: A Political Trailblazer for President Trump

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ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — November 25 would have marked the 53rd birthday of Lynette “Diamond” Hardaway, the electrifying internet star and one-half of the conservative duo Diamond and Silk, whose influence helped galvanize President Donald Trump’s campaigns. Tragically, Diamond passed away on January 8, 2023, at the age of 51, leaving behind a legacy as one of Trump’s most loyal and outspoken supporters.

Credit: AP Photo/Chris Seward

Remembering Lynette “Diamond” Hardaway: Celebrating Her Legacy on Her 53rd Birthday

A Star in the Conservative Media Universe

Diamond and her sister, Rochelle “Silk” Richardson, became household names during Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign. Self-proclaimed former Democrats turned Republicans, the sisters used their platform to champion Trump’s policies and engage millions of followers online. Their bold commentary and unapologetic style made them both beloved and controversial figures in conservative media circles.

Diamond’s larger-than-life personality stood out, with her passionate speeches and sharp wit energizing crowds at Trump rallies. One such moment occurred in Melbourne, Florida, on February 18, 2017, where the duo opened for Trump. Florida National News (FNN) captured behind-the-scenes footage and an exclusive interview with Diamond and Silk, showcasing their dedication to the “Make America Great Again” movement.

Diamond of Diamond and Silk: Her Political Impact on President Trump’s Campaigns

Trump’s Tribute to Diamond

Upon Diamond’s unexpected passing, Trump himself shared a heartfelt tribute, describing her as “magnificent” and “beautiful.” He credited her with being a powerhouse who gave her all to the cause, writing, “There was no better TEAM anywhere, or at any time! Diamond’s death was totally unexpected, probably her big and precious HEART just plain gave out.”

A Legacy of Loyalty and Influence

Diamond and Silk were frequent guests at the White House during Trump’s presidency, underscoring their importance in conservative politics. Their YouTube videos and public appearances not only energized Trump’s base but also broadened his appeal to diverse audiences, making the duo pivotal in his messaging strategy.

Their impact extended beyond politics; they symbolized a bold, unfiltered voice in a polarized media landscape, inspiring others to be unapologetically authentic in their beliefs.

Diamond’s 7 Takeaways for Supporters

  1. Passion Leads: Diamond’s speeches showed the power of speaking from the heart.
  2. Consistency is Key: The duo’s dedication over years built a loyal following.
  3. Boldness Pays Off: Their fearless commentary made them trailblazers in the media.
  4. Teamwork Matters: Diamond and Silk’s chemistry amplified their message.
  5. Engage with Your Base: Their direct interaction with followers kept their audience invested.
  6. Adaptability Wins: Moving from YouTube to mainstream platforms, they stayed relevant.
  7. Loyalty Lasts: Their unwavering support for Trump solidified their legacy.

Exclusive: Florida National News Recalls Diamond and Silk’s Role in Trump’s Rise

Credit: Florida Today

Florida National News Exclusive

In FNN’s exclusive interview, Diamond shared her hopes for America, saying, “This country is great because of its people. Our mission is to remind them that their voice matters.” This sentiment resonated deeply with their audience and continues to inspire.

Honoring a Legacy

As we reflect on Diamond’s life, we celebrate a woman whose passion and authenticity left an indelible mark on politics and media. While her presence is missed, her legacy endures.

______________________________________________________________

J Willie David, III
Florida National News and FNN News Network
news@FloridaNationalNews.com

 

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US NATIONAL NEWS

Trump-Vance Transition Team Condemns Violent Threats Against Cabinet Nominee

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Trump-Vance Transition Team Condemns Violent Threats Against Cabinet Nominee

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (FNN) – The Trump-Vance Transition Team has issued a strong condemnation following a series of violent threats directed at President Trump’s Cabinet nominees and administration appointees. The incidents included bomb threats and “swatting” attacks targeting the nominees and their families.

“Last night and this morning, several of President Trump’s Cabinet nominees and Administration appointees were targeted in violent, unAmerican threats to their lives and those who live with them. These attacks ranged from bomb threats to ‘swatting.’ In response, law enforcement and other authorities acted quickly to ensure the safety of those who were targeted. President Trump and the entire Transition team are grateful for their swift action,” stated Karoline Leavitt, spokesperson for the Trump-Vance Transition Team.

The threats come as the Transition Team prepares for the official handover of power and works to finalize Cabinet appointments. Despite these acts of intimidation, the team emphasized its commitment to the nation’s unity and future prosperity.

“President Trump and the Transition are focused on doing the work of uniting our nation by ensuring a safe and prosperous future. With President Trump as our example, dangerous acts of intimidation and violence will not deter us,” Leavitt continued.

Key Points

  • Multiple violent threats, including bomb threats and swatting, targeted Trump’s Cabinet nominees and appointees.
  • Law enforcement responded quickly, ensuring the safety of those involved.
  • The Trump-Vance Transition Team remains committed to its mission of unity and a prosperous future for the nation.
  • Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt called these actions “unAmerican” and vowed they would not deter the team’s efforts.

Impact

These threats underscore the heightened tensions surrounding political transitions and the critical role of law enforcement in ensuring public safety. The Trump-Vance Transition Team’s resolve demonstrates its commitment to a peaceful and focused preparation for the new administration, setting an example for perseverance in the face of adversity.

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US NATIONAL NEWS

Trump-Vance Transition Team Signs MOU with Biden White House for Seamless Power Shift

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Trump-Vance Transition Team Signs MOU with Biden White House for Seamless Power Shift
Trump-Vance Transition Team Signs MOU with Biden White House for Seamless Power Shift

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (FNN) – The Trump-Vance Transition Team has entered a critical phase in its preparation for President-elect Donald J. Trump’s upcoming administration by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with President Joe Biden’s White House. This agreement, a hallmark of orderly presidential transitions, establishes the framework for Trump’s team to integrate seamlessly into federal agencies and departments, ensuring operational readiness on Day 1.

Susie Wiles, Chief of Staff to President-elect Trump, emphasized the importance of this step, stating:
“After completing the selection process of his incoming Cabinet, President-elect Trump is entering the next phase of his administration’s transition. The MOU enables our Cabinet nominees and landing teams to begin critical preparations, ensuring a smooth and effective transition of power.”

Key Highlights from the Transition MOU

  • Private Funding Commitment: The Trump Transition Team will operate entirely on private funding, eliminating reliance on taxpayer dollars and reflecting President Trump’s commitment to fiscal responsibility.
  • Organizational Autonomy: The Transition will not use government-provided buildings, technology, or resources from the General Services Administration (GSA). This independence streamlines processes and reduces bureaucratic inefficiencies.
  • Built-In Security: The team already has established security and information protections, negating the need for additional oversight.
  • Ethics Plan Compliance: The Transition’s Ethics Plan, in line with the Transition Enhancement Act, ensures personnel meet ethical standards. This plan will be publicly accessible on the GSA website.
  • Landing Team Transparency: Landing team members will be disclosed to the Biden Administration for transparency and effective integration.
  • Donor Transparency: All donors to the Transition will be disclosed to the public, with strict policies against accepting foreign donations.

Impact of the Transition MOU

  • Operational Readiness: The Trump-Vance Transition Team can immediately deploy landing teams to federal agencies, facilitating a smooth exchange of information and policies.
  • Cost Savings: By forgoing taxpayer funding and government resources, the Transition demonstrates a commitment to financial efficiency.
  • Public Trust: Transparent disclosures of donors and personnel aim to maintain public confidence in the Transition’s operations.
  • Efficient Governance: With streamlined processes and ethical safeguards, the Trump Administration is poised to govern effectively from its first day.

What’s Next for the Trump Transition?

  • Deployment of landing teams to federal agencies to assess operational needs.
  • Continued Cabinet confirmations and policy briefings.
  • Public disclosure of donors and Ethics Plan details to reinforce transparency.

_____________________________________________________________________________

J Willie David, III
Florida National News and FNN News Network
news@FloridaNationalNews.com

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