Robert Card, an “armed and dangerous” 40-year-old man, is suspected of having shot dead at least 18 people on Wednesday October 25 in the northeast of the United States. Police and the FBI are actively seeking to apprehend the shooter. A delicate hunt.
His face is broadcast all over the United States. Robert Card, 40, is suspected of having carried out several shootings in the state of Maine in the northeast of the country. He is suspected of having killed at least 18 people and injuring 13 others in two shootings in the city of Lewiston, one at a bar-restaurant, the other at a bowling alley.
Robert Card, a former soldier, has been one of the most wanted men in the country since his identification. He has been the subject of a manhunt for almost three days, with at least 80 people involved in the hunt.
On Thursday, an armored convoy drove to a house where the FBI and police thought they would find the suspect, according to ABC News. The suspect was ultimately not there. Other homes were raided and searched, to no avail. Items, including firearms, were seized.
Military “evasion” tactics
Law enforcement is combing the south of the state in search of a killer, but the investigations could be much more difficult because of Robert Card’s profile and experience.
“This is a person who has military training. They have a high level of firearms proficiency, but they also have knowledge of military tactics, including evasion and strategies to go unnoticed”, analyzes for CNN Jonathan Wackrow, security specialist.
Another element to the advantage of the alleged shooter: the topology. The State of Maine stretches over 91,646 km² and is known for its immense natural spaces and locally dense vegetation. For Rob d’Amico, a former FBI agent interviewed by the American news channel, his “outdoor experience” strengthens his military capabilities.
Left by sea?
What if Robert Card was no longer on dry land? This is what investigators are considering. His car was found next to a port in the town of Lisbon southeast of Lewison. An element which suggests that he fled to the sea.
This hypothesis is plausible due to the suspect’s experience. American analysts note a form of preparation by the shooter before the act. The former FBI agent believes for his part that the car could have been left there to retrieve a second one and, at the same time, cover his tracks.
Confined residents
For three days, the former soldier considered “armed and dangerous” has been in the wild. While the hunt continues, schools, medical offices and grocery stores remain closed, even several tens of kilometers from the scene of the attacks, as reported by the American press agency. Associated Press.
At the same time, civilians remain confined to their homes with the door closed. This situation also strains Canadians. Maine shares a border with the North American country. On both sides of the border, guards are on alert.
Local authorities assure their “determination” to find the potential killer, as Maine Senator Susan Collins said Thursday evening. “Everyone is determined to bring the murderer to justice,” she assured, while addressing her feelings to the families of the victims.