Suspect in Lewiston Massacre Found Dead
Authorities in Maine confirmed on Friday night that Robert Card, the primary suspect behind the mass shooting in Lewiston that claimed 18 lives, was found dead. The Androscoggin County Sheriff's Office corroborated earlier reports from sources to NBC10 Boston Investigators regarding the suspect's demise, affirming that he no longer posed a threat to the public.
The large-scale manhunt that ensued after the tragic incidents at the Just-In-Time Recreation bowling alley and Schemengees Bar and Grille came to an end when Card's body was discovered in Lisbon at 7:45 p.m. Near this location, Card's vehicle had been found on Wednesday.
Maine's Governor, Janet Mills, expressed her deep appreciation for the law enforcement agencies involved in the search. "Now is a time to heal," she stated, reflecting the sentiment of many in the community.
Lewiston Police Chief David St. Pierre urged the focus to remain on the victims and their grieving families, emphasizing the collective sorrow of the community.
Following the tragic event, the community had been on high alert with shelter-in-place orders across Androscoggin County and some parts of Sagadahoc County. These orders were rescinded earlier on Friday.
Investigative authorities revealed that they have been inundated with over 530 tips and leads since the shooting. Additionally, the names of all 18 victims were publicly announced, highlighting the profound impact on the tight-knit Maine community. Governor Mills mourned the loss of one of the victims, Josh Seal, a personal friend and ASL interpreter for the state's COVID-19 briefings.
The mass shooting prompted widespread responses from lawmakers and officials. Democratic Rep. Jared Golden of Maine changed his stance on the prohibition of assault weapons, now advocating for a ban in light of the tragedy. President Joe Biden expressed his anguish over the recurrent issue of mass shootings in the U.S. and conveyed his condolences to the affected families.
To honor the victims, the Boston Bruins and Boston Celtics paid their respects during games on Thursday and Friday.
