LEWISTON, MAINE: A restaurant manager and devoted family man, Joseph lost his life while attempting to thwart the gunman's rampage that left 18 people dead and 13 wounded in the mass shooting in Lewiston, Maine, as per People.
Joseph Walker was shot twice while using butcher knife to stop Robert Card
The incident unfolded at Just-In-Time Recreation, a bowling alley in Lewiston, on Wednesday evening, October 25, at 6:56 p.m. The suspected gunman, Robert Card, aged 40, began firing shots.
Just twelve minutes later, at 7:08 p.m., the gunman made his way to Schemengees Bar & Grille, where Joseph Walker, aged 56, was managing the establishment.
In an attempt to save others, Joseph confronted the assailant. His father, Leroy Walker, recounted the details to Lester Holt of NBC Nightly News.
Leroy disclosed that his son was shot twice in the stomach while wielding a butcher knife to stop the gunman. Despite the immense pain and loss, Joseph's actions elevated him to the status of a hero, as he selflessly tried to prevent further harm to others.
Leroy, while proud of his son's courage, admitted that knowing the circumstances of his death only deepened the family's grief.
Joseph's loss has left a profound void in the lives of those who knew and loved him. Described as a loving husband and a great son, he also had two grandchildren and a stepson.
His father spoke of the vast number of people who held a deep affection for Joseph, underlining the lasting impact he made on his community.
With a heavy heart, Leroy questioned how they would cope with the loss and how the coming days would unfold without his beloved son.
Law enforcement descends upon Robert Card's residence in Bowdoin
As of now, Robert Card, the suspected gunman, remains at large, considered armed and extremely dangerous by authorities.
A substantial law enforcement presence has descended upon Card's residence in Bowdoin, Maine, with agencies, including the FBI, participating in the search, The Independent reports.
This intensive search, marked by its use of drones and loudspeaker announcements, is standard protocol when executing search warrants, according to Shannon Moss, a spokeswoman for the Maine Department of Public Safety.
She emphasized that law enforcement officials are diligently pursuing every lead to locate and apprehend Card.
Maine Governor Janet Mills expresses concern for Maine residents
Maine Governor Janet Mills addressed the media, acknowledging the gravity of the situation and expressing her concern for the safety of Maine residents, according to The Wall Street Journal.
She declared a Shelter-in-Place order for Lewiston, Lisbon, and Bowdoin, emphasizing the urgency of the ongoing manhunt.
Governor Mills expressed her sympathy for the families and friends who lost loved ones in the tragedy and offered prayers for the swift recovery of those injured.
