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Shelter in place orders will be lifted on Saturday for several Maine communities following the deadliest mass shooting in the US this year.
The manhunt for the suspected gunman, who killed 18 people and injured 13 others, is currently in its third day.
On Friday, the police released the names of all 18 victims, which include a grandfather, a talented young bowler, and four members of Maine’s deaf community, ranging in age from 14 to 76.
The tragic incident occurred at a local bar and a bowling alley located in the small town of Lewiston. Since the shootings, the affected community and surrounding towns have been under lockdown.
Authorities have been tirelessly searching for the 40-year-old suspect, Robert Card, and have advised caution for residents while he remains at large.
Michael Sauschuck, Maine’s public safety commissioner, stated on Friday evening that businesses can choose to reopen or remain closed starting this weekend.
However, hunting is still prohibited in the towns of Bowdoin, Lewiston, Lisbon, and Monmouth to avoid emergency calls prompted by gunshots, he added.
As darkness fell on Friday, the town of Lewiston remained quiet, with businesses and homes keeping their windows dark.
Local residents expressed their belief in the affected communities’ ability to unite during this difficult time.
“We look after each other,” said Tammy, a resident from nearby Auburn who preferred not to disclose her last name.
In Lewiston, paper cut-outs shaped like hearts began to appear on telephone poles. They were adorned with green writing on white paper, bearing messages like “To my community” and “To my home”.
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In Portland, students from the University of Southern Maine organized a meal collection for the deaf community, who were heavily impacted by the attack on Wednesday.
Nevertheless, an eerie sense of anxiety lingers throughout much of southern Maine, even in areas miles away from Lewiston, the site of the shootings.
The search for the suspect in the Androscoggin River was suspended at nightfall and will resume on Saturday with additional diving resources being brought in.
Officials described the upcoming search as “time intensive” during an update on the investigation.
The suspect’s white Subaru Outback was discovered at a boat ramp in Lisbon, along with additional evidence inside the vehicle. However, specific details were not disclosed.
On Friday, a utility company used its dams to lower the water level in the area, aiding investigators in their work. Helicopters assisted by flying over the river to guide divers during the search.
Neighborhood canvassing efforts are also planned for the coming days, as stated by Mr. Sauschuck.
Law enforcement agencies have requested patience from residents as the search continues. Despite receiving over 530 tips and leads, no solid breakthrough has been announced in the manhunt.
However, on Friday morning, officials revealed the discovery of a note at a property linked to the suspect. Two unnamed law enforcement officials informed the Associated Press that it was a suicide note addressed to the suspect’s son, but no specific motive for the shooting was provided. The suspect’s mobile phone was also found at the residence.
Investigators declined to confirm this information or provide further details about the contents of the note.
