In a shocking act of violence, 18 people lost their lives and 13 others were injured in a shooting incident that took place on Wednesday night at a bowling alley and restaurant in Lewiston, Maine. The suspect, identified as 40-year-old Army reservist Robert Card, is still at large, prompting a massive manhunt in the area.

Authorities have urged residents of Lewiston and surrounding towns to remain indoors and secure their doors as police intensify their search for the gunman. A vehicle believed to belong to Card was discovered in nearby Lisbon, adding to the urgency of the ongoing investigation.

Senator Susan Collins of Maine highlighted the collaboration among various federal agencies in the effort to find the suspect. She revealed that 80 FBI agents, along with authorities from the U.S. Marshal's office, the Bureau Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Department of Homeland Security, the U.S. Coast Guard, and the Drug Enforcement Agency, are all actively involved.

Collins expressed the determination of all agencies to bring the perpetrator to justice. She further disclosed that numerous officials, including President Biden, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, and Attorney General Merrick Garland, have reached out to offer their support and assistance in the ongoing investigation.

The tragic event has already started to provoke changes in the political landscape. U.S. Representative Jared Golden, who represents Lewiston in Congress, stated that the shooting has compelled him to reevaluate his position on banning assault weapons. Golden, a Democrat, expressed remorse for his previous opposition to such measures and now intends to push for a ban on assault weapons in Congress.

Further scrutiny into the suspect's background revealed that Robert Card was not a firearms instructor, contrary to earlier reports. His military records indicate that he did not have any involvement in instructing or interacting with cadets at the West Point summer training.

The tight-knit community of Lewiston is grappling with the aftermath of the tragedy. The streets remain quiet, with police roadblocks restricting access to certain areas as a precautionary measure. Local residents, who know each other well in this small town, express their fear and disbelief that such an event could take place in their community.

Sandy Hook Promise, an organization dedicated to preventing gun violence, issued statements expressing their condolences and support for the affected families. Co-founders and CEOs Nicole Hockley and Mark Barden, both of whom tragically lost children in the 2012 Sandy Hook shooting, called for stronger gun safety measures in Maine to prevent further acts of violence.

As the manhunt for Robert Card continues, the community of Lewiston mourns the loss of 18 lives and grapples with the aftermath of this horrific event. The search for justice and the implementation of stricter gun control measures stand as priorities in the wake of this devastating incident.