Maine Shooting Suspect Found Dead

Updated Oct. 30, 2023, 9:45 a.m. EST

• The body of the suspect in the Maine shooting, Robert R. Card, was found at a recycling center he used to work at with a self-inflicted gunshot wound on Friday, according to authorities. This ended the sweeping manhunt and the stay-at-home order on thousands of residents in the area. 
• Officials expressed relief that the suspect is no longer at large. Sen. Angus King (I-Maine) said:

"It will take a long, long time to process this pain, but Maine people have grit, resolve and heart and we will come together through this difficult grieving period and hope for brighter, calmer days."

• The victims include Tricia C. Asselin, 53, William Frank Brackett, 48, Peyton Brewer-Ross, 40, Thomas Ryan Conrad, 34, Michael R. Deslauriers II, 51, Maxx A. Hathaway, 35, Bryan M. MacFarlane, 41, Keith D. Macneir, 64, Ronald G. Morin, 55, Joshua A. Seal, 36, Arthur Fred Strout, 42, Lucille M. Violette, 73, Robert E. Violette, 76, Stephen M. Vozzella, 45, Jason Adam Walker, 51, Joseph Lawrence Walker, 57, Aaron Young, 14, and William A. Young, 44. 

Updated Oct. 18, 2023, 1:30 p.m. EST

• Lewiston schools are closed today as the search for suspected shooter Robert Card continues.
• Card is an army reservist and trained firearm instructor. Reports say he began acting erratically in mid-July and was ordered to undergo an evaluation after military officials became concerned about his state of mind.
• Police conducted a search yesterday of a large property belonging to one of Card’s relatives. Police worry that Card has the upper hand in navigating the heavily wooded, rural terrain. Law enforcement and FBI personnel surrounded the house and ordered anyone inside to surrender. After hours of repeated calls to surrender and a search of the area, the police left without anyone in custody. It is unclear if Card was ever at the location.
• Police have not publically named the 18 people killed in the shooting.

Updated Oct. 26, 2023, 3:45 p.m. EST

• Authorities are saying the death toll from the Lewiston shooting is now 18. 

What's the story?

• Over 22 people have died in a mass shooting in Lewiston, Maine, a city of 37,000. The suspected gunman is still on the loose. 
• This is the deadliest mass shooting recorded in 2023. 
• The towns of Lewiston, Auburn, Lisbon, and Bowdoin are under a "shelter in place" order.
• Maine is ranked 40th out of the 50 states in terms of its gun death rate. Maine had 29 recorded homicides in 2022, highlighting the impact of last night's attack.
• In addition to the people killed, 30 others were injured.
• Carl L. Sheline, the mayor of Lewiston, said:

"I am heartbroken for our city and our people. Lewiston is known for our strength and grit and we will need both in the days to come."

What happened?

• While a suspect has not been formally named, the Lewiston Police Department identified 40-year-old Robert R. Card of Bowdoin, Maine, as the main person of interest.
• The shooting took place at two locations, the Sparetime Recreation bowling alley and Schemengees restaurant, on Wednesday night shortly before 7 p.m. local time.
• Eyewitnesses describe a man bursting in with a military-style assault rifle and opening fire indiscriminately. 

What now?

• A vehicle that law enforcement was seeking following the shootings was found in Lisbon, a town approximately 7 miles southeast of Lewiston.
• Federal agents from the FBI, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) are participating in the search for Card.
• Maine State Police stated in a notice:

"Card is considered armed and dangerous. If seen, people should not approach Card or make contact with him."

Tell your reps to take action on gun control now.

-Emma Kansiz