Gunman killed 18 people in attacks at a restaurant and a bowling alley, and details are now emerging of those who died
The mass shooting in Maine left 18 people dead in attacks by a gunman at a restaurant and a bowling alley in Lewiston on Wednesday night.
The fatalities included an avid bowler, staff at the alley and at the eatery – one of whom ran at the shooter with a knife to try to stop him – parents, a group from the local deaf community gathering for a games night, and a father and son. The ages of those so far confirmed dead range from 14 to 76, while many others were wounded.
So far this year, the US has witnessed the second-highest number on record of mass killings to this point in a single year. Only 2019 had more mass killings. It is the worst such massacre in Maine history and the worst mass shooting so far in 2023 in the US, where this problem uniquely occurs on this kind of scale.
Details are emerging of those killed.Bob Violette
Bob Violette was one of the victims killed on Wednesday night in Lewiston, as first identified publicly by Maine’s Portland Press Herald. Violette, 76, was a retired Sears mechanic and avid bowler, according to his daughter-in-law.
“Violette was born and raised in Lewiston and grew up speaking French and attending Catholic church … a life-long Lewiston resident, Bob had deep ties to the community and was the type of person who made everyone feel comfortable and cared for,” said his daughter-in-law, Cassandra Violette.
“He wouldn’t let you walk out the door without giving him a hug, and a kiss on the cheek. He was just there for everything,” she said.
He loved kids and had a special bond with his grandchildren, who participated in youth bowling nights with him, the family said.Tricia Asselin
Tricia Asselin was confirmed as one of the victims who died at the Just-in-Time Recreation bowling alley, her brother, who asked not to be named, confirmed to ABC News. She was a part-time employee there.
Asselin was the only woman killed at the bowling venue. “It’s very emotional, but Tricia is the type of person who would have done anything for children and anybody,” her mother, Alicia Lachance, told Rolling Stone. Lachance said her daughter died running to call 911 to alert first responders.Bill Brackett
Bill Brackett was confirmed as one of the victims by his father, William Brackett. His father that Bill was part of a gathering of deaf people playing cornhole – a popular lawn, barn or bar game that involves throwing fabric bean bags at a hole on an angled board to score points – at Schemengees Bar & Grille,.
