Maine Casinos Reopen After Suspected Mass Shooter Found Dead

Posted on: October 28, 2023, 09:54h. 

Last updated on: October 30, 2023, 02:55h.

Ed Silverstein @casinoorgedsilv Read More
Expertise: Legal, Tribal Gaming.

Maine’s two gaming properties are reopening their doors. They were shuttered for several hours after the nearby mass shooting.

Victims in the Maine mass shooting
Some of the victims in the Maine mass shooting, pictured above. From left, Billy Brackett, Joshua Seal, and Steven Vozzella. (Image: People)

The gaming floor at Oxford Casino Hotel is scheduled to open at 11 a.m. Saturday. Casino officials have advised guests to continue to remain cautious and vigilant.

Visitors temporarily will need to use the hotel entrance to get into the casino. Police officers will be on duty. The hotel will remain closed until Tuesday.

The Hollywood Casino Hotel & Raceway Bangor reopened with increased security at 4 p.m. on Friday.

The Oxford Casino Hotel is about 14 miles from the crime scenes in Lewiston, Maine. The Hollywood Casino Hotel & Raceway Bangor is approximately 106 miles from the murders.

On Friday night, officials announced that the suspect in the mass shootings, Robert Card, was found dead. He apparently died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, authorities revealed. His body was found in a trailer near a recycling plant in Lisbon Falls, Maine. He formerly worked at the plant.

Friday’s Shooting

The shootings took place in two locations in Lewiston, including a bowling alley called Sparetime Recreation and Schemengees Bar and Grill, four miles from the bowling alley. Eighteen victims were killed. Thirteen others were injured.

Card was initially identified as a “person of interest” in the crimes. Then, he was identified as a suspect. He was considered armed and dangerous. He had in his possession an AR-15-style rifle.

In the wake of the shootings, residents in the region were advised to shelter in place with their doors locked. Schools and many businesses were closed. On Friday afternoon, authorities lessened restrictions.

At 7:45 p.m., when Card’s body was found, the public was told to resume a normal routine.

Card was suspected to have suffered from mental health issues, CNN reported. More details on the incident are expected to be revealed in the coming days.