New England coaches Bill Belichick, Jim Montgomery reflect on Maine shooting: ‘tragic situation’
The Lewiston mass shooting hit close to home for New England’s professional teams.
Patriots head coach Bill Belichick and Boston Bruins head coach Jim Montgomery both addressed the killing of 18 people, with the suspected killer still at large.
Belichick said he has “a lot of ties” to the Lewiston area.
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A hockey jersey hangs behind the Boston Bruins bench in tribute to the victims of the mass shooting in Lewiston, Maine, before a game between the Boston Bruins and the Anaheim Ducks at TD Garden on October 26, 2023 in Boston. (Riche Gagnon/Getty Images)
“Thoughts and prayers to the people of Maine,” Belichick told reporters Friday, via OutKick. “It’s obviously a tragic situation. They’re great fans, great friends there. It’s a great place. And obviously they feel bad for the pain and the situation that they’re going through.
“Lewiston and Bowdoin, a lot of connections. A lot of my friends have been there. I know the area pretty well. It’s just very sad, difficult. We’re thinking of you here at the Patriots.”
The Bruins had a jersey bearing the number “207” for Lewiston’s area code with the words “LEWISTON STRONG” hanging on their bench Thursday night during a game against the Anaheim Ducks.
Montgomery spent four years at the University of Maine.
In this image taken from a video, Just-in-Time Recreation in Lewiston, Maine, is shown Thursday, Oct. 26, 2023. The bowling alley was the site of a shooting in Lewiston on Wednesday. (AP Photo/Rodrique Ngowi)
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“I want to start by acknowledging a horrible and tragic event that happened yesterday in Lewiston, Maine,” Montgomery said Wednesday. “The Boston Bruins offer our sympathy and condolences to the victims and families who have suffered.
“I personally spent four wonderful years at the University of Maine. And I know how great the culture is in this state. And I know how great the people are. My deepest condolences to all who are affected.”
The shootings took place in Lewiston, at the Schemengees Bar and Grille and the Just-In-Time Recreation bowling alley, just four miles away.
A sign urges the public to shelter in place during an active shooter situation Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2023, in Lewiston, Maine. (Derek Davis/Portland Press Herald via AP)
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Robert Card, the man identified by police as the suspect, is a “qualified firearms instructor” who recently reported mental health issues, including “hearing voices and threats to shoot based on National Guard in Saco, Maine,” according to Maine law. application bulletin shared with Fox News Digital.
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