As police search for the gunman responsible for two shootings in Lewiston, Maine, claims have been circulating regarding Robert Card's alleged history of mental health issues.
Robert Card was identified as a "person of interest" in mass shootings in Lewiston, Maine, on Wednesday night, where at least 16 people were killed and several were injured, according to The Associated Press.
A gunman opened fire at restaurant Schemengees Bar and Grille and bowling alley Sparetime Recreation in Lewiston on Wednesday night, causing multiple casualties, before fleeing. The two places are about 4 miles from each other.
As of the early hours of Thursday, Card, a retired military officer, remained at large. The Lewiston Maine Police Department warned residents to stay in their homes as Card is considered armed and dangerous.
"Please contact law enforcement if you are aware of his whereabouts," reads a post by Lewiston Maine PD on Facebook. The contact was indicated in a previous post showing images of the shooter as "513-3001 ext. 3327."
Within reports about the incident were claims regarding Card's mental health. The Associated Press reported that a police bulletin, circulated to law enforcement officials, stated Card had been committed to a mental health facility for two weeks in the summer of 2023. It reportedly said he had been "hearing voices" and made threats "shoot up" a military base in Saco, Maine. The AP added that the bulletin did not provide details about Card's treatment or condition.
CBS News' David Begnaud posted similar details on X, formerly Twitter, which he also said came from a police bulletin.
Elsewhere, a document was shared on social media that provided many of the same details as described by AP and Begnaud.
The document was reportedly issued by the Maine Information & Analysis Center (MIAC). A local government website states MIAC is a program of the Maine Department of Public Safety that collects, analyzes, and shares intelligence "between the federal government and the State of Maine."
The document stated: "According to law enforcement, CARD recently reported mental health issues to include hearing voices and threats to shoot up the National Guard Base in Saco, ME.
"CARD was also reported to have been committed to mental health facility for two weeks during summer 2023 and subsequently released."
It also stated Card's birthday, full address, that he was a "trained firearms instructor believed to be in the Army Reserve stationed out of Saco, ME" and was last known to be operating a 2013 white Subaru Outback with a black bumper. Two photos were included alongside.
Some of what it states corresponds with details provided by other authorities. Card's date of birth was mentioned in a press conference by Maine Department of Public Safety Commissioner Michael Sauschuck, while an image of what appears to be a white Subaru Outback was shared via the Lewiston Maine Police Department Facebook page.
It corresponds with many of the details provided by the media but not all of them. Neither AP nor Begnaud mentioned MIAC. A report by Reuters also stated that it "could not authenticate the bulletin."
At the time of publication, Newsweek has not independently confirmed the authenticity of the document circulating on social media and was unable to find a copy beyond screengrabs posted. There appear to be no direct links to it from Maine State Police or other Maine police departments.
Newsweek has contacted David Begnaud via X and Maine State Police, Lewiston Maine Police Department, MIAC, Maine Department of Public Safety, and AP via email for comment.
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Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
