The suspected shooter responsible for the tragic incident in Lewiston, Maine, has been found dead, likely due to a self-inflicted gunshot wound. This discovery marks the end of a 48-hour manhunt that followed the deadliest episode of gun violence in the state’s history.
The body of the suspect, Robert R. Card, aged 40, was located in the woods near the neighboring town of Lisbon Falls, not far from where his abandoned vehicle was discovered shortly after the shooting rampage on Wednesday night.
Maine Governor Janet Mills, during a news conference, confirmed Card’s death, expressing relief that he is no longer a threat and emphasizing the need for healing.
Mike Sauschuck, Maine’s Department of Public Safety commissioner, disclosed that Card died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
The shooting incidents occurred on Wednesday night, with the suspect opening fire at the Just-In-Time Recreation bowling alley and, minutes later, at Schemengees Bar & Grille Restaurant, where a cornhole beanbag-throwing event was taking place. Authorities have not yet revealed a suspected motive for the shootings.
The shooting and subsequent manhunt deeply affected the community of Lewiston, typically known for its serenity. Earlier on Friday, an order that had kept tens of thousands of people in their homes during the manhunt was lifted by the Maine State Police.
Lewiston is located on the banks of the Androscoggin River, not far from Portland, the largest city in the state, and Augusta, Maine’s capital.
Robert R. Card, an Army Reserve sergeant, was described as a trained firearms instructor who served as a petroleum supply specialist at a military reserve base in Saco, Maine, during his military duty. Authorities noted that he had a history of mental illness and was committed to a psychiatric facility for two weeks during the summer of 2023, from which he was later released.
Following the initial incident, surveillance camera photos were circulated, showing a bearded man wearing a brown, hooded sweatshirt and jeans, carrying what appeared to be a semi-automatic rifle.
The investigation led to Lisbon town, where authorities found a white SUV believed to have been used by Card for his getaway, parked at a boat launch on the river. Public records indicated that he owned at least one vessel made by Sea-Doo, a company known for its jet ski-style personal watercraft.
As part of their search, law enforcement used divers and sonar to search the waters of the Androscoggin River, and officers conducted neighborhood canvasses to gather additional clues and possible eyewitness accounts.
Victims identified and honored
Authorities have officially released the names and ages of the victims for the first time. Among the victims were people from various walks of life, including members of the deaf community, a father-and-son pair of bowlers, and a couple aged 76 and 73.
The tragedy has deeply impacted the community, with many victims having diverse backgrounds and contributing to their communities in various ways. The heroism displayed by some, like Joseph Walker, who tried to confront the shooter, is a testament to the bravery of those affected by this tragic event.
