In a shocking turn of events, the gunman responsible for the gruesome massacre in Lewiston, Maine, has been found dead. Robert Card, who killed at least 18 people and injured 13 others during the horrific incident, was reportedly on the radar of state authorities as early as mid-September. This tragic event marks the deadliest mass shooting in the history of the Pine Tree State.
According to law enforcement officials, Card had previously made “veiled threats” towards soldiers at a southern Maine National Guard Base in Saco. Alerted by these threats, authorities visited Card’s home but were unable to locate him, leading them to drop their investigation. Saco Police Chief Jack Clements expressed frustration, stating that they had added extra patrols for two weeks but Card never showed up.
Despite efforts from various law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, Card managed to evade capture until his lifeless body was discovered on Friday night. Officials have determined that he died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head.
The search for Card spanned two days, with law enforcement agents combing through nearby railroad tracks by the Androscoggin River in Lisbon, Maine. Sagadahoc County Sheriff Joel Merry revealed that every law enforcement agency in Maine had been alerted after the Army Reserve informed his department about Card. However, even after conducting a welfare check at his residence, they were unable to locate him.
Surprisingly, the FBI stated that they were not aware of any suspicious activity related to Card and had not received any tips or information concerning him. They emphasized that the background check system did not possess any information that would have prevented Card from legally purchasing a firearm.
The Maine community continues to grapple with the aftermath of this tragedy, and the families of the victims have been described as “very cooperative” during the manhunt for Card. As investigations into the motive and circumstances of the massacre continue, authorities are working tirelessly to bring closure and justice to those affected.
