Maine Shooting Rampage Suspect Found Dead, Ending Manhunt

Robert Card, the Maine mass shooting suspect (Deceased) File Photo

Robert Card, the suspect in the Lewiston shooting rampage in Maine, has been discovered dead, seemingly from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. This development marks the conclusion of a two-day manhunt that sent shockwaves through local communities. State Public Safety Commissioner Michael Sauschuck revealed the grim discovery, stating that Card's lifeless body was located near the Androscoggin River in Lisbon Falls.

Card, who stood accused of a heinous crime that left 18 people dead and 13 others injured at a bowling alley and a restaurant in Lewiston, Maine, was found deceased, as detailed by Sauschuck during a news conference.

Maine Governor Janet Mills expressed relief at the news, stating, "Now is a time to heal," during the press conference. She added, "Tonight the city of Lewiston and the state of Maine begin to move forward on a long road to healing. We will heal together." Mills promptly informed President Biden and the state's congressional delegation of this development.

The horrifying incident unfolded on Wednesday evening in Lewiston when Card initiated a shooting spree, first at Just-in-Time Recreation and later at Schemengees Bar & Grille. Authorities swiftly responded to 911 calls from the shooting locations, arriving within minutes.

In addition to the 18 fatalities, 13 individuals sustained injuries, according to the Maine governor's statement on Thursday. While the motive behind the massacre remained undisclosed as of Friday evening, investigators have been pursuing a significant theory regarding the selection of the bowling alley and the bar as targets.

Sources within law enforcement circles disclosed that Card had recently ended a long-term relationship with a girlfriend. Investigators are exploring the possibility that Card targeted these specific establishments because the couple previously frequented them. It is believed that the ex-girlfriend had registered for a tournament at the bar on Wednesday night, as indicated by the Facebook page for Schemengees Bar and Grill. Wednesday was designated as "Industry Night," drawing employees from various bars and restaurants in the Lewiston area.

With the confirmation of Card's demise, a hunting restriction that had been imposed on four communities due to the manhunt has been lifted, according to Sauschuck. This decision comes just in time for the opening of Maine's rifle hunting season on Saturday.

The news of Card's death has brought a sense of relief to the communities that were gripped by fear during the manhunt. However, the tragic events of Wednesday evening have left a scar on the collective consciousness of the region, as 18 innocent lives were abruptly cut short, and numerous families are left to grapple with the physical and emotional wounds inflicted by the rampage.

As investigators work diligently to piece together the events leading up to the shooting and to understand the motivations behind this senseless act of violence, the community of Lewiston and the state of Maine are left with profound questions. What drove Robert Card to commit such a horrific act, targeting innocent people in places of leisure? Were there warning signs that went unnoticed, or was this a sudden and inexplicable eruption of violence?

Maine Governor and police officials provide an update Friday after Lewiston mass shooting suspect Robert Card was found dead. File Photo

The identity and stories of the victims are beginning to emerge, shedding light on the lives that were tragically lost. Among the victims, the range of ages is striking, with the youngest being a 14-year-old boy enjoying a night of bowling with his father. The 76-year-old man who lost his life serves as a somber reminder that tragedy knows no age boundaries.

The coming days will undoubtedly see a focus on providing support and solace to the survivors and the families of the victims. The wounds inflicted on the community will take time to heal, and the process of grieving and recovery will be a long and arduous one.

As the investigation into the motives behind the shooting continues, questions about gun control and mental health support are likely to resurface. The tragedy in Lewiston serves as a stark reminder of the need for comprehensive and effective measures to prevent such incidents and address the underlying issues that contribute to acts of mass violence.

While the manhunt for Robert Card has come to a close, the healing process for the community and the state is just beginning. The impact of this tragic event will be felt for years to come, as the memory of those who lost their lives is honored and the survivors work to rebuild their lives.

In the face of unimaginable loss and sorrow, Lewiston and the state of Maine are coming together to support one another and find strength in their shared resilience. The road to recovery will be challenging, but the community is determined to move forward, united in their commitment to healing and remembering those who were lost on that fateful night in Lewiston.