Maine Governor Confirms Lewiston Shooting Suspect Found Dead
In a tragic turn of events, the suspected gunman in the Maine mass shooting has been found dead. Robert Card, the shooter responsible for the brutal attacks in Lewiston, Maine, has allegedly taken his own life after being the subject of a dayslong manhunt. The shooting left 18 people dead and 13 others injured.
Law enforcement sources confirmed the death of Robert Card, whose body was discovered in a wooded area near the scenes of the attacks. The victims, who ranged in age from 14 to 76, have been officially identified by authorities.
On Friday morning, a note was found but its contents were undisclosed. Divers had also searched the nearby river, and a lettuce farm was cleared after reports of a gunshot. However, no further details have been provided regarding these incidents.
A shelter-in-place order that had been in effect for residents of Lewiston, Lisbon, and Bowdoin has now been lifted. This allows residents to leave their homes for the first time since Wednesday night when the shooting occurred.
President Biden issued a statement expressing his condolences for the victims and calling for action on gun violence. “Americans should not have to live like this,” he said, urging Congress to take action to end the “gun violence epidemic.”
The victims of the shooting have been identified, including Bob and Lucy Violette. Bob Violette, a 76-year-old retired Sears mechanic and avid bowler, was killed while trying to protect the children under his care. Both he and his wife Lucy were dedicated bowlers who had started a youth bowling league.
Lucy Violette had initially survived the shooting but unfortunately succumbed to her injuries. Her condition prior to her death is unknown.
Details have also emerged regarding Robert Card’s movements during the incident. The shooting took place at two locations in Lewiston, just four miles apart. Card’s vehicle, a white Subaru station wagon containing a long gun, was found near a boat landing in Lisbon. His body was later discovered in a box trailer at a recycling plant’s overflow lot.
Two firearms were recovered from the scene of the shooting, and a third firearm was found in Card’s vehicle. These weapons were legally purchased by Card. He had recently disclosed mental health issues and had been committed to a mental health facility during the summer of 2023.
Card’s social media activity has also come to light. He showed an interest in right-wing pundits and politics, liking posts from figures such as Elon Musk and Donald Trump Jr. However, there is no indication that his actions were politically motivated.
The aftermath of the shooting has left the community of Lewiston in shock. Resources have been made available to support the victims and those traumatized by the incident.
As investigations continue, the community mourns the loss of the victims and reflects on the need for action to prevent further gun violence.