By Mark Gray
5:00am PDT, Oct 31, 2023
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It happened again.
On Oct. 25, 2023, a gunman armed with an AR-15 rifle walked into a bowling alley and bar in Lewiston, Maine, and opened fire. Eighteen people were killed and 13 others were injured, although initial reports cited higher, unconfirmed numbers. The Gun Violence Archive reported that this was the 565th mass shooting in the United States this year.
After a two-day manhunt, the gunman — 40-year-old Robert Card — was found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Amid the terror of the unfolding tragedy, many top-line politicians, actors and athletes reacted on social media.
Former President Donald Trump wrote on social media, "A terrible situation going on in Maine. At least 22 dead. It just seems to never end for the USA."
Keep reading to see how other bold-faced names reacted to the senseless violence…
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"Today I'm thinking about Maine and all those suffering and hurting in this beautiful state. I love Maine's beauty. It's coastline. But I don't love it's lack of gun laws. It leaves people vulnerable. It leaves people unsafe. This isn't just about Maine, it's about our entire country. It's about all of us! C'mon, people are dying. People are terrified. Hear this. Read this. Absorb this. We have to get our national act together! Responsible gun owners understand this, and mental health advocates understand this! We, as in the United States of America, have to get united on at least the above and the need for common sense gun laws! As my friend @shannonwatts pointed out today, it's harder to buy Sudafed in Maine than an AR-15. How can that possibly be? Raise your voice, keep speaking up, and voting for the safety of us all!" –Maria Shriver
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"I am shocked and deeply saddened by last night's tragedy in my hometown, Lewiston, Main. Maine's great strength is its sense of community, and now we are being asked to come together to support everyone that has been devastated by this senseless act. My family and I are heartbroken for the victims, their families, and the community." —Patrick Dempsey
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"THIS DOES NOT HAPPEN IN OTHER COUNTRIES," author Stephen King wrote on social media.
He later added, "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."
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"A reminder as we wake up to the news of another mass shooting: One party's members walk around Congress with AR-15 pins on their lapels. They aren't there to help solve the gun violence crisis. They are there to help enable it." —George Takei
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"Another mass shooting! Here it's easier for the mentally ill to get guns than help!" —DL Hughley
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"This sick maniac warned he was going to do this and authorities released him anyway. Our justice system sucks." —Kevin Sorbo
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"Once again, our nation is in mourning after yet another senseless and tragic mass shooting. Today, Jill and I are praying for the Americans who've lost their lives, for those still in critical care, and for the families, survivors, and community members enduring shock and grief.
"For countless Americans who have survived gun violence and been traumatized by it, a shooting such as this reopens deep and painful wounds. Far too many Americans have now had a family member killed or injured as a result of gun violence. That is not normal, and we cannot accept it." –President Joe Biden
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"Grief-stricken by the mass shooting rampage in Lewiston last night. My prayers are with the beautiful souls stolen and their loved ones left forever scarred. No community should have to suffer like this. We must put an end to gun violence in America." —former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi
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"Another day, another horrific mass shooting in America. 22 feared dead, 50+ wounded, in attack on bar & bowling alley packed with families. This is what's known about the shooter. If authorities knew all this, how the hell was he able to arm himself and commit such an atrocity?" —Piers Morgan
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"As our state mourns this horrific mass shooting, we appreciate the support we've received from across the country, including the call I received from President Biden offering assistance." —Maine Senator Susan Collins
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"The Maine shooter was (as always) known to law enforcement, previously committed to a mental institution and prohibited from owning firearms. If only the FBI would stop spying on Catholics, concerned parents at PTA meetings, and Maga patriots maybe they'd actually stop real terrorists for a change rather than trying to create them." —Donald Trump Jr.
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"Lending prayers to Lewistown, Maine tonight. Know that the entire country is praying for you." —Congresswoman Lauren Boebert
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"Sickening to see the events in Lewiston, Maine. My thoughts are with all the families. If you know someone who's struggling, reach out. A small act of kindness can go a long way." –Julian Edelman
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"It's sad that we sit here and watch this happen time after time after time after time and nobody does anything about it. It's a sad day… Until we decide to do something about it, the powers that be, this is going to keep happening and our kids aren't going to be able to enjoy what the United States is about because we don't know how to fix a problem that's right in front of us. I feel for the families," Sacramento Kings Coach Mike Brown said in a press conference after his team won.
"I don't even want to talk basketball. I'm sorry. We played a game. It was fun. Obviously, we won, but if we can't do anything to fix this, it's over. It's over for our country for this to happen time after time."
