According to authorities, a guy suspected of killing 18 people in a shooting in Maine has been found dead following a three-day manhunt.
Maine Commissioner of Public Safety Michael Sauschuck said Robert Card, 40, was found dead from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.
The announcement comes just hours after police revoked a stay-at-home order for the normally tranquil neighborhood.
A grandfather, a promising young bowler, and four deaf locals ranging in age from 14 to 76 are among the dead.
Three additional people were critically injured in the incident, it was revealed on Saturday.
“The suspect in Wednesday night’s shootings has been located and is deceased,” declared the Androscoggin County Sheriff’s Office on Facebook.
Maine Mass Shooting Suspect Found Dead
Maine Governor Janet Mills revealed at a news conference at Lewiston City Hall that the body was discovered in Lisbon, near where the incident occurred.
“I’m breathing a sigh of relief tonight knowing that Robert Card will not be a threat to anyone,” she said.
The finding of the suspect’s body, according to Gov. Mills, will put the community on “the long and difficult road to healing.”
Lewiston Police Chief David St Pierre said he was “elated” by the news but that “our work here is not done.”
“We’re gonna grieve for the families that lost loved ones, we’re gonna continue to work, we’re gonna persevere, and we’re gonna become better people for it,” he said.
Commissioner Sauschuck stated that the body was discovered near a river in Lisbon Falls at 19:45 local time (23:45 GMT) on Friday.
Later that day, officials reported Robert Card’s body was discovered in the town of Lisbon, near a recycling site that had already been inspected twice by police.
The body was discovered in the center’s overflow parking lot, which had not previously been searched, according to Commissioner Sauschuk.
Several weaponry, including a long rifle, were discovered at the scene.
Officials say the suspect purchased his firearms just days before the attack.
They also stated that he had received mental health evaluations, though Commissioner Sauschuck noted that he had never been compelled to seek therapy.
In addition, he stated that a paper message was discovered at the suspect’s residence.
According to Commissioner Sauschuck, it was written to a “loved one” and contained a passcode to his phone and bank account numbers.
Police have previously disclosed the names of all 18 victims.
Senator Susan Collins of Maine said the state may now “breathe a collective sigh of relief” because of the “brave first responders who worked night and day to find this killer.”
She went on to say that President Joe Biden had called her earlier that day to inform her that the suspect had died.
Mr. Biden said in a statement that it had been “a tragic two days – not just for Lewiston, Maine, but for our entire country.”
“Once again, an American community and American families have been devastated by gun violence,” he went on to say.
He urged Republicans in Congress to “fulfil their obligation to keep the American people safe” by advocating for stricter gun laws.
“Until that day comes, I will continue to do everything in my power to end this gun violence epidemic,” he said in a statement.
The governor’s deaf interpreter was among those killed in the Maine attack.
According to the suspect’s sister-in-law, the family is “doing everything we can to assist law enforcement.”
“Our hearts are broken,” said Katie Card, the gunman’s brother’s wife.
The attack took place on Wednesday night in the small town of Lewiston at a local pub and a bowling alley.
Miane Police reacted to allegations of firing at two sites, roughly four miles (6.5 km) apart: Schemengees, a restaurant, and Just-In-Time Recreation, a bowling alley.
Seven individuals were killed at the bowling alley, eight at Schemengees Bar and Grille, and three at neighboring hospitals.
Members of the local deaf community who were severely impacted by the tragedy gathered via Zoom for a virtual vigil on Friday night before the word that Card had been discovered.
Approximately 100 deaf and hard-of-hearing persons from across the country participated.
“There are no words or signs to express what we are all experiencing,” remarked event moderator Terry Morrell.
“We lost four beloved deaf people,” he stated, adding that two more deaf people were hurt.
“We are all grieving, we are all in shock, we’re angry, we’re numb,” he said.
SOURCE – (BBC)
