Maine Mass Shooting Suspect Robert Card Found Dead

The US Army reservist responsible for a deadly Maine mass shooting at a bowling alley and bar earlier this week, which claimed the lives of 18 individuals, has taken his own life, per Reuters.

The Maine mass shooter, identified as 40-year-old Robert R. Card, was discovered deceased from a self-inflicted gunshot wound inside a cargo trailer located in the yard of a recycling plant where he had previously worked.

The police made this grim discovery on Friday evening, bringing a measure of relief to Lewiston and surrounding communities that had been on edge during the extensive manhunt, which spanned 48 hours.

During a news briefing on Saturday, Maine Public Safety Commissioner Mike Sauschuck revealed that a state police tactical team had found Robert Card's body in an unlocked shipping container situated among numerous tractor-trailer rigs in an overflow lot at the recycling facility.

It was noted that the plant had been searched twice before, given Card's prior employment there.

However, searchers had initially overlooked the additional parking area, which housed 50 to 60 cargo trailers, some filled with crushed plastic or metal, as reported by the commissioner.

Maine Mass Shooter, Robert Card Leaves Note But Motive Remains a Mystery

As of Friday, details regarding the exact time of Card's death remained uncertain, and authorities had not disclosed a motive for the shooting, CNN reports.

Though no motive for the Maine mass shooting has been officially confirmed, investigators have been exploring a significant theory regarding the choice of targets.

Law enforcement sources indicated that Robert Card had recently separated from a long-term girlfriend, leading to the theory that he may have targeted the bowling alley and bar because they were places the couple had frequented.

Additionally, Card left a note for his family, according to Commissioner Sauschuck. The note contained information such as phone passcodes and bank account numbers, indicating Card's intention to ensure his loved ones had access to his personal affairs.

Sauschuck acknowledged the cooperation of Robert Card's family, which was instrumental in identifying the Maine mass shooter.

However, the family had been subjected to unfair threats and harassment as a result of Card's actions, with individuals confronting them at their homes and questioning their knowledge or involvement in the incident.

Maine Mass Shooting Victims

The 18 victims of the Maine mass shooting were a diverse group, including a 14-year-old bowler, a shipbuilder who enjoyed playing cornhole, and a sign language interpreter, according to AP.

The shootings resulted in seven fatalities at the Just-In-Time Recreation bowling alley, with six male victims and one female.

Eight additional individuals, all male, lost their lives at Schemengees Bar and Grille, while three more succumbed to their injuries after being transported to hospitals.

The victims were solemnly remembered during a packed vigil held at the Lewiston Basilica, attended by Governor Janet Mills and the state's congressional delegation.

A bell tolled after each Maine mass shooting victim's name was read aloud.

Several attendees donned black veils in the spacious sanctuary as church officials collected funds to assist shooting victims and others affected by the tragic events in their community.

Rev. Daniel Greenleaf began the service at the Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul with a moment of silence, News Center Maine noted.

He encouraged those in attendance, stating that times of darkness are when they have practiced their faith.

While the tragedy cannot be undone, he emphasized that human beings are not machines to be fixed and that their faith would guide them through these trying times.

READ MORE: Tampa Shooting Leaves 2 Dead, 18 Injured

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Written by: Bert Hoover

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