Posted on: October 28, 2023, 09:54h.
Last updated on: October 28, 2023, 09:54h.
Maine’s two gaming properties are reopening, following a temporary closure due to a nearby mass shooting.
The gaming floor at Oxford Casino Hotel will be open to visitors starting at 11 a.m. on Saturday.
The casino has advised guests to remain cautious and vigilant.
Temporary access to the casino will be through the hotel entrance, with police officers on duty for security measures.
“We ask that you please show our Team Members who come into work kindness and patience as some areas may be short staffed,” the casino’s statement added.
While the casino reopens, the hotel will remain closed until Tuesday.
Hollywood Casino Hotel & Raceway Bangor also reopened on Friday at 4 p.m., implementing enhanced security measures.
Oxford Casino Hotel is located approximately 14 miles away from the crime scenes in Lewiston, Maine, while Hollywood Casino Hotel & Raceway Bangor is about 106 miles away from the murders.
The suspect in the mass shootings, Robert Card, was found dead on Friday night.
Card Shot Himself
Authorities revealed that Card died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
His body was discovered near a recycling plant in Lisbon Falls, Maine, where he used to work.
A total of eighteen victims lost their lives in the Wednesday night shootings, with thirteen others injured.
The shootings occurred at two locations in Lewiston, including a bowling alley called Sparetime Recreation and Schemengees Bar and Grill, which is four miles away from the bowling alley.
Initially considered a “person of interest,” Card was later identified as a suspect and was marked as armed and dangerous, carrying an AR-15-style rifle.
Following the shootings, residents were advised to shelter in place with locked doors, leading to school and business closures.
Restrictions were lifted on Friday afternoon, and normal routines were resumed when Card’s body was found at 7:45 p.m.
“Our community can now breathe a sigh of relief,” stated Lewiston Police Department Chief David St. Pierre at a Friday night news conference.
Families Continue to Grieve
“I just don’t want to forget the families that are grieving and will continue to grieve. I don’t want to forget the law enforcement officials that have worked tirelessly throughout this whole event,” Chief St. Pierre added.
Maine Gov. Janet Mills, D, expressed gratitude to the law enforcement members who contributed to finding Card’s body.
According to CNN, Card was suspected to have mental health issues. More details regarding the incident are expected to be revealed in the coming days.