The harrowing saga of the mass shooting incident in Lewiston, Maine, resulting in the tragic deaths of 18 individuals has come to a disquieting close with the discovery of the gunman, 40-year-old Robert Card, found deceased. The relentless manhunt, spanning over two days, concluded when law enforcement officials confirmed the discovery of Card’s body near a recycling plant in the Lisbon area.
Robert Card, responsible for the deadly shootings, succumbed to a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to Mike Sauschuck, Commissioner of the Maine Department of Public Safety, in a press conference on Friday night. His body was located at approximately 7:45 p.m. near the Androscoggin River in Lisbon, a town situated about 8 miles southwest of Lewiston.
The extensive search unfolded after the devastating shootings that commenced on Wednesday night, beginning at Sparetime Recreation, a Lewiston bowling alley, where six men and one woman lost their lives to apparent gunshot wounds. Shortly after, at 7:08 p.m., another shooting occurred a few miles away at Schemengees Bar and Grille, claiming the lives of eight individuals, with three more succumbing to injuries in area hospitals.
Amid the investigation, it was revealed that Card, a member of the U.S. Army Reserve, had previously reported experiencing mental health issues and had made threats concerning a military base in Saco. While it was confirmed that a weapon was recovered from his abandoned vehicle, it remained uncertain whether this firearm was used in the shootings.
The tragedy, prompting shelter-in-place warnings and disrupting the daily lives of residents, saw schools canceled and communities reeling in shock and grief. Officials indicated a possible mental health aspect to the shootings, shedding light on Card’s prior mental health challenges and erratic behavior.
The victims, ranging from 14 to 76 years old, encompassed a diverse group, including a bar manager who attempted to thwart the assailant, a dedicated bowling instructor, a beloved father, and participants in a cornhole tournament for deaf athletes.
As the community grapples with the aftermath of this heinous event, the discovery of Card’s body has provided a semblance of closure. However, the scars of this tragedy linger, leaving an indelible mark on Lewiston and its inhabitants.
President Biden, expressing his sorrow over the incident, called for stronger measures to curb gun violence, emphasizing the imperative need for comprehensive actions to ensure the safety of Americans.
The article draws to a close, underscoring the irrevocable loss incurred by the heinous actions of Robert Card, and the forthcoming community vigil scheduled as a gesture of remembrance and support for the victims and their families.