President Biden to Offer Condolences in Maine, Urges Action on Gun Violence

 President Joe Biden is set to visit Maine later this week to offer condolences to the community of Lewiston, following a devastating mass shooting that left 18 people dead and 13 others injured. The shootings, which occurred at a bar and a bowling alley, marked the deadliest mass shooting in the state's history. The alleged gunman, 40-year-old Robert Card, was later found dead of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot. While investigators are still in the process of determining a motive, they have been increasingly focusing on Card's mental health history. It has been revealed that Card's family had expressed concerns about his deteriorating mental health to local law enforcement five months prior to the shooting.

Additionally, Card had undergone a mental health evaluation after displaying erratic behavior at a training facility in the summer. President Biden, accompanied by First Lady Jill Biden, will make the trip on Friday to pay respects to the victims and meet with first responders and community members impacted by the tragedy. The White House stated that the President will also grieve with the families affected by the shooting. The President's response to the mass shooting has been one of urgency, as he called on Republicans in Congress to support legislation aimed at addressing gun violence.

Biden specifically urged the passage of bills to outlaw assault-style weapons and high-capacity magazines, implement universal background checks, enforce safe storage of firearms, and end immunity from liability for gun manufacturers. In a gesture of mourning and respect, President Biden ordered that US flags on public property be flown at half-staff through Monday. The Lewiston community has come together during this difficult time, with several thousand people attending vigils for the victims over the weekend. With the lifting of stay-at-home orders, residents have started returning to work and school, trying to heal and move forward. The visit by President Biden is seen as a significant expression of support for the community as they come to terms with the devastating loss and begin the process of healing and recovery.