LEWISTON, Maine — Two Sabattus men who heroically confronted a gunman during a tragic mass shooting in Lewiston are being honored for their bravery. Jason Walker and Michael Deslauriers II, both 51, received the Carnegie Medal for Heroism on Monday, recognizing their selfless actions that ultimately led to their deaths.
The prestigious medal is awarded by the Carnegie Hero Fund Commission to civilians in the United States and Canada who place their lives in danger to save others. The foundation described the circumstances surrounding the men’s heroic acts that took place during a horrific incident on October 25, 2023.
Walker and Deslauriers were present at Just-In-Time Recreation, a bowling alley packed with roughly 60 individuals, including 20 children, when gunman Robert Card began firing. The two men, displaying remarkable courage, charged the assailant after his weapon jammed shortly after the shooting began.
According to the commission’s report, Walker attempted to kick the firearm away from Card but was shot in the knee as the gunman cleared the jam. Deslauriers then surged forward, reaching for the attacker in a desperate attempt to stop him. Tragically, both men were shot in the ensuing confrontation, with Deslauriers sustaining two wounds to the torso and Walker suffering multiple gunshot injuries, including a fatal shot to the head.
The massive shooting resulted in 18 fatalities and wounded 13 others inside the bowling alley and an adjacent bar, Schemengees Bar and Grille. Following the incident, Card was found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound after an exhaustive two-day manhunt.
In addition to Walker and Deslauriers, the Carnegie Medal was awarded to 16 other individuals for their acts of heroism. The recipients or their families receive financial assistance, which can include scholarship funds and death benefits, to support them in their time of need.
The courage demonstrated by Walker and Deslauriers stands as a testament to the spirit of humanity, reflecting the lengths to which individuals will go to protect their fellow citizens in the face of unimaginable danger.