What do we know about Maine shooting suspect Robert Card?
The authorities in Lewiston are investigating "two active shooter events" and have warned people to stay inside with doors locked.
Saturday 28 October 2023 02:36, UK
Police have launched a manhunt after at least 18 people were killed in a shooting in the US state of Maine.
The authorities in Lewiston have released images of a man with a military-style assault rifle in a bowling alley and say they are looking for "armed and dangerous" Robert Card.
There is now an arrest warrant out for Card on eight counts of murder; one for every person killed that has been identified so far, police say.
Here's what we know.
The US Army said Card, 40, was a petroleum supply specialist and Sergeant First Class - typically a senior non-commissioned officer rank - in the reserve.
He enlisted in December 2002, it added, saying he had no prior combat deployments.
His awards included the Army Achievement Medal, Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, National Defence Service Medal and Army Service Ribbon, it said.
An internal police notice said Card had been committed to a mental health facility for two weeks this summer.
It also said Card had reported hearing voices and had threatened to carry out a shooting at the military training base in Saco, Maine.
It did not provide specific details about his treatment or condition.
A US Army spokesman said on Thursday: "SFC Robert Card is assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 304th Infantry Regiment in Saco, Maine.
"While his unit supported West Point summer training in July of 2023, there are no records to indicate he instructed or participated in any training.
"The Army did not train SFC Card as a firearms instructor, nor did he serve in that capacity for the Army. Due to the Privacy Act and the ongoing investigation, we cannot provide further details."
'A nightmare scenario'
Card's background makes the situation "a nightmare scenario for police trying to prevent more killings", says Sky News US correspondent Martha Kelner.
"I'm sure attention will turn to how Robert Card was able to maintain ownership of such a powerful weapon. He looks very clearly to be holding a military-style assault rifle."
What happened?
Police say the shootings happened at about 7pm on Wednesday at Schemengees Bar and Grille and Sparetime Recreation, a bowling alley - which are situated about four miles apart.
Maine's governor Janet Mills has confirmed at least 18 people have been killed and a further 13 injured.
As many as 50 people are also said to have been injured, not all of whom were shot. Some reportedly had injuries from a stampede.
The owner of the bowling alley said it was packed at the time with at least 100 people, including about 20 children.
One witness, who only identified himself by first name, Brandon, said the first shot came from "about 15 feet" behind him.
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"Out of nowhere, he just came in and there was a loud pop", he told Sky News.
"I was bowling so had my back turned to the door. And as soon as I turned I saw it was not a balloon - he was holding a weapon.
"I heard the first one - it was probably about 15 feet behind me. He was close. Very close."
Brandon said he heard 10 shots ring out in total as he ran down the length of the bowling alley and climbed behind where the pins are kept for shelter.
What's happening now?
There's a heavy police presence at the bowling alley and bar where the gunman opened fire as officers continue to scour Maine for Card and nearby roads have been cordoned off.
All town offices will be closed today in Lisbon, a nearby town of 9,700 people, where a vehicle that was being looked for has been found.
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Residents in Lewiston have been ordered to stay indoors.
Kelner says there will be an "agonising wait" for people at a reunification centre in Lewiston who are waiting for news on their loved ones.