Robert Card, a 40-year-old Army reservist, is suspected in a fatal shooting that claimed 18 lives and injured 13 others in Lewiston, Maine.

The peaceful community of Lewiston, Maine was left reeling after the devastating events that unfolded on a seemingly typical Wednesday evening. The town, not known for violent events of this magnitude, is grappling with the aftermath of the state's worst mass killing ever.

Mike Sauschuck, the commissioner of Maine's Department of Public Safety, in a press briefing, shed some light on the ongoing investigation, "We're going to be all over the place,"

Sauschuck stated, emphasizing their commitment to the case. He mentioned the deployment of divers and sonar equipment into the Androscoggin River. This location near a boat launch was one of the last known whereabouts of the suspect, Robert Card, "We've got a lot of lines in the water," Sauschuck added. "We've got nothing to hide."

Maine Mass Shooting Suspect Found Dead

Robert Card, the primary suspect in the mass shooting that resulted in the death of 18 individuals in Lewiston, Maine, was discovered deceased. Law enforcement confirmed that Card was found near a recycling plant in Lisbon Falls, Maine, with a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

The discovery came after a two-day intensive manhunt involving numerous law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, SWAT, and the elite 'BORTAC' Border Patrol unit. Card was previously identified as a person of interest in the mass shooting that took place at the Sparetime Recreation bowling alley and Schemengees Bar and Grille.

Maine Governor Janet Mills expressed gratitude to the local and state law enforcement for their relentless efforts in locating Card. The tragic event has deeply affected the community, with the victims ranging in age from 14 to 76. The motive behind the mass shooting remains unclear, and the investigation is ongoing.

The chilling audio from the moments of the tragedy can be found here.

Lewiston's heartbreak: Not just Maine's tragedy

Card's sister-in-law voiced her concerns about his mental health, mentioning that the family had previously reached out to both the police and his Army Reserve base, “We just reached out to make sure everyone was on the same page, because he is someone who does gun training. We were concerned about his mental state. That’s all.”

The public safety commissioner refused to divulge specifics on whether law enforcement had prior knowledge of Card's mental state, "I'm not going to talk specifically about who knew what and when. We're still actively involved in a very dynamic situation here."

The nation's highest office also responded to the tragedy. President Biden praised the dedication and bravery of the law enforcement officers, “They worked around the clock to find this suspect and prevent the loss of more innocent life — all while risking their own. They are the best of us."

Maine and Portland: A city on edge

In the immediate aftermath of the shooting, Portland, Maine's most populous city, saw many restaurants and bars voluntarily shutting their doors, Yahoo reported.

An atypical quiet descended upon its downtown area, and public buildings were temporarily closed. In addition, the Canada Border Services Agency heightened its alert status, warning officers stationed at the Canada-U.S. border to be vigilant for cards.

Authorities diligently acted upon over 500 tips from the public. Meanwhile, the state, in an effort to ensure public safety, enforced a shelter-in-place order, which was eventually lifted.

A deeper look into Robert Card's background

Card, from Bowdoin, Maine, was no stranger to the military. He was an Army reservist and had caught the attention of military officials due to erratic behavior in mid-July.

The New York Army National Guard disclosed that the military had grown concerned about Card's actions during training.

Investigators were meticulously examining evidence, including a firearm found in a white Subaru associated with the Card. The origins and possible use of the gun during the crime are being looked into. In addition, a note seemingly penned as a suicide letter addressed to his son was discovered. However, its contents did not clearly convey a motive.

His body was found near a recycling facility where he once worked. The suspected cause of death was a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Lessons to learn from this tragedy

While we can't predict or prevent every act of violence, there are certain takeaways and reminders from this tragic event:

• Stay Alert: Awareness of our surroundings and being vigilant can help us notice suspicious activities or behaviors.
• Communication is key: If someone close to us displays worrying behavior, reach out to professionals or authorities.
• Community strength: In trying times, communities can come together to support, protect, and heal.

Understanding the widespread impact

The Lewiston tragedy underscores the fact that no community is immune to such events. It reminds us of the unpredictable nature of life and the need for constant vigilance, support, and understanding.

For Maine, this incident will likely initiate discussions about gun regulations and mental health.

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