Maine Governor Confirms Lewiston Shooting Suspect Found Dead
Stay updated with the latest news by signing up for our free US Evening Headlines email. Following the tragic mass shooting in Maine, where 18 people were killed and 13 injured, the community is coming together to heal. Now that shelter-in-place orders have been lifted, vigils are being held, and signs and dedications are being placed around Lewiston to honor those who lost their lives. The suspected gunman, Robert Card, is believed to have taken his own life after a dayslong manhunt. The victims, whose ages range from 14 to 76, have been officially identified by authorities.
Mystery Surrounds Note Left by Suspected Shooter
During a press conference, Maine’s Public Safety Commissioner, Michael Sauschuck, revealed that a note had been recovered after the attacks. However, he did not disclose its contents, suggesting that it may provide insight into a possible motive for the killings. Authorities discovered Card’s body in a wooded area near a recycling facility, where he used to work. It is suspected that he died from a self-inflicted wound. Earlier, a “suicide note” addressed to his son had been found inside his home.
Victims Formally Identified, Ranging from Teenagers to Elderly
Police have formally identified the victims of the shooting rampage. They include a bar manager, four deaf individuals, and a teenage bowler. The ages of the victims range from 14 to 76, and some died while trying to protect others. Numerous GoFundMe pages have been set up to support the victims and their families, indicating a desire to put an end to the epidemic of gun violence.
Timeline of Tragedy Revealed
Months before the attacks, Robert Card, a US Army reservist, was held in a mental facility. In September, a statewide awareness alert was issued after Card made threats against a military base. On the evening of Wednesday, October 25th, shots were fired at a bowling alley, followed by an active shooter report at a bar and grill. Lewiston residents were urged to shelter in place, and a photo of the shooter was released to the media. Card was identified by his family members. A vehicle registered to Card was found, and later his body was discovered in a box trailer at a recycling facility.
Florida Governor’s Conflicting Response to the Shooting
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis gave conflicting views when asked about the tragedy. He suggested that the government should have more authority to institutionalize individuals who pose a threat, while also stating that red flag laws, which prevent such individuals from owning firearms, would be going too far. The governor’s stance implies that those committed to mental health facilities should not have access to firearms during their treatment.
Maine Senator Offers Statement
Senator Susan Collins of Maine issued a statement following the shooting incident.
Lewiston Community Begins the Healing Process
Residents of Lewiston are slowly getting back to their routines after days of fear. Counselling services are being provided to those affected by the shootings, and supermarkets and stores have reopened after being shut down during the manhunt.
Questions Arise About Preventing Such Tragedies
The recent mass shooting raises questions about preventing similar incidents. With Card’s history of threats and mental health concerns, efforts to restrict his access to firearms could have made a difference. Maine’s gun laws are relatively lax, allowing individuals to purchase and conceal-carry firearms without permits or background checks. Red flag laws are not in place, but the state does have a yellow flag law allowing family members to seek temporary orders restricting access to firearms for individuals in a mental health crisis.
Recap: What Happened to Robert Card?
Robert Card’s body was found in a wooded area not far from where the shootings took place. He is believed to have taken his own life near a recycling facility where he had previously been employed. Card had not been seen since the shooting at the bar in Lewiston.
