A deadly shooting spree in Lewiston, Maine, has come to a tragic end as the suspect, Robert R. Card, was found dead in the neighboring town of Lisbon. The shooting rampage took the lives of 18 people and left 13 others wounded, marking the most lethal incident of gun violence in the state’s history.
After the shooting spree on Wednesday night, police discovered Card’s abandoned vehicle near Lisbon, and his body was later found in the nearby woods. Maine Governor Janet Mills expressed relief at the news of Card’s death, acknowledging that he was no longer a threat to anyone and emphasizing the need for healing in the community.
It has been reported that Card died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to unnamed law enforcement sources. The 40-year-old suspect was an Army Reserve sergeant and a trained firearms instructor who served as a petroleum supply specialist when on duty at a military reserve base in Saco, Maine.
Authorities revealed that Card had a history of mental illness and had been committed to a psychiatric facility for two weeks in the summer of 2023. Despite his military background, he had never been deployed for combat.
The shooting spree began at a bowling alley and later continued at a bar in Lewiston, causing shock and despair in the normally peaceful community. Lewiston, once a thriving textile hub, is the second-most populous city in Maine, located along the Androscoggin River, about 35 miles north of Portland.
In the wake of the bloodshed, law enforcement agencies launched a 48-hour manhunt involving hundreds of officers from various agencies, including the FBI and US Coast Guard. Canadian authorities were also on alert. Surveillance camera photos depicting a bearded man wearing a brown hooded sweatshirt and jeans, armed with what appeared to be a semi-automatic rifle, were circulated to aid the search efforts.
The investigation eventually led police to Lisbon, where they discovered a white SUV believed to be used by Card for his getaway. The vehicle was found parked at a boat launch on the Androscoggin River. Divers and sonar were deployed to search the river, while officers conducted door-to-door canvasses to gather additional information.
Although Card’s motive for the shooting spree remains unclear, his reported mental health issues and previous threats to shoot up the National Guard Base in Saco raise concerns about his state of mind. Authorities are looking into all possible factors that may have contributed to this devastating incident.
The Lewiston community, along with the entire state of Maine, faces a long road to recovery as they process the shocking events that unfolded over the past few days. The focus now is on supporting the victims and their families, as well as promoting healing and unity within the community.
As investigations continue, questions arise regarding the accessibility of firearms and the importance of mental health support and intervention. It is essential to address these issues to prevent similar incidents in the future and ensure the safety and well-being of all citizens.
This tragic shooting spree serves as a grim reminder of the urgent need for effective gun control measures, increased mental health resources, and strategies to prevent such acts of violence. May the victims rest in peace, and may the community find solace and strength in the face of unimaginable loss.
