Robert Card, suspect in Maine mass shooting, found deceased.
The Man Responsible for Massacre in Lewiston, Maine Found Dead
The dead body of the man believed to be responsible for Wednesday’s massacre that killed 18 people in Lewiston, Maine, was found on Friday night, Maine Gov. Janet Mills confirmed.
Robert Card was the prime suspect in the mass shooting, which left 18 people dead and 13 others injured at Schemengees Bar and Grille and the Just-In-Time Recreation bowling alley, both located just four miles apart.
After a massive 48-hour manhunt, police discovered his body at 7:45 p.m. on Friday night in the woods by Maine Recycling near Lisbon, where his abandoned vehicle and a rifle were discovered, law enforcement officials said at a press conference shortly after 10 p.m. on Friday.
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Maine Department of Public Safety Commissioner Michael Sauschuck refrained from providing the exact location but said the body was found near the river in Lisbon Falls, which is about 10 miles from Lewiston. He noted that it is still an active crime scene.
“I’m breathing a sigh of relief that Card is no longer a threat to anyone,” Ms. Mills told reporters at the press conference, adding that now is the time to heal.
Ms. Mills said she had informed President Joe Biden of Mr. Card’s death. She thanked law enforcement officials for their efforts.
Authorities had discovered a suicide note at a home linked to Mr. Card, addressed to his son, though it didn’t reveal a specific motive for the shooting.
Mr. Card, 40, was a U.S. Army reservist and a firearm instructor who held the rank of sergeant at a nearby U.S. Army Reserve base.
He had been temporarily committed to a mental health facility over the summer, according to law enforcement officials.
For days, tens of thousands of people have lived in fear as authorities ordered shelter-in-place restrictions in the wake of the shooting on Wednesday.
Earlier on Friday evening, Mr. Sauschuck said that the restriction would be lifted by Saturday. It is now expected to be rescinded.
Authorities had also said hunting would be prohibited on Saturday in the affected areas. This restriction will likely now be dropped as well.
At the time, due to the discovery of the suicide note, Mr. Sauschuck said that authorities didn’t know if Mr. Card was alive or dead, but that they were leaving their minds open to all options.
Mr. Sauschuck called for a moment of silence during a news conference while revealing the identities and photographs of the 16 men and two women who lost their lives. Their ages varied between 14 and 76.
Various federal agencies assisted state and local law enforcement in their efforts to locate Mr. Card. Federal agents conducted searches, collected electronics, and examined his financial records, social media, writings, and mental health history.
On Friday, a search of the Androscoggin River was conducted using divers, robots, and sonar, as investigators focused on the river as Mr. Card’s last known location.
Investigators were keenly interested in the river as the last place Mr. Card was known to be, as his white SUV was discovered abandoned at a boat launch.
Public records revealed that Mr. Card had at least one watercraft registered in his name, a 12-foot vessel with 155 horsepower made by jet ski company Sea-Doo.
Mr. Sauschuck said that law enforcement had not seen him in the last two days but had received over 530 tips from the public, ranging from alleged sightings to concerns and suggestions.
Maine Gov. Janet Mills visited Central Maine Medical Center on Friday to thank the doctors, nurses, and other health care workers in the wake of the shooting, she said in a post on X.
“What Maine people have seen this week from our medical professionals is nothing short of heroic,” she said. “I am amazed, but not surprised, by the extraordinary compassion of those who are working to help the victims of the Lewiston tragedy recover.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
This report has been updated with the latest information.
How has the community in Lewiston, Maine, come together to support each other after the tragedy?
Es believed Mr. Card was acting alone in the massacre and that there was no imminent threat to the public. However, they urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.
The mass shooting has sparked a nationwide debate on gun control. President Biden has been pushing for stricter gun restrictions in response to the incident. In a statement, he expressed his condolences to the victims’ families and vowed to take action to prevent future tragedies.
Lewiston, a small town in Maine, has been deeply affected by the tragedy. Community members have come together to support each other and offer condolences to the victims’ families. Local organizations and churches have organized vigils and memorial services to honor the lives lost.
As the investigation continues, law enforcement officials are working to uncover any possible motives or factors that may have led to the massacre. The discovery of the suicide note provides some insight into Mr. Card’s state of mind, but further analysis and investigation will be necessary to fully understand the events leading up to the shooting.
The tragedy in Lewiston serves as a stark reminder of the need for mental health awareness and support in our communities. It is imperative that we prioritize mental health services and ensure that individuals in need have access to the care they require. By addressing mental health issues, we can potentially prevent future acts of violence.
In the wake of this horrific event, it is crucial that we come together as a community to heal and support one another. In times of tragedy, our strength shines through our unity and compassion. Let us honor the victims by standing together against violence and working towards a safer future.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims and their families during this difficult time. May they find solace and peace in the midst of their grief. Let us remember their lives and strive to create a world in which such atrocities are a thing of the past.
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