By PAULA TRACY, InDepthNH.org
LISBON, Maine – A collective sigh of relief was expressed across Maine and New England Friday night when police found the body of the man believed to have carried out a mass shooting at two locations in Lewiston, Maine, killing 18 and injuring 13.
Robert Card’s body was found at a Maine recycling center where he had worked, apparently of suicide with a gunshot wound to the head, authorities said at a news conference.
He was wearing the same clothing he was last seen in during the rampage Wednesday night at a restaurant and bowling alley in Lewiston.
Card’s body was discovered outside the recycling center after a massive manhunt at 7:45 p.m.
Maine Governor Janet Mills thanked law enforcement for the discovery and said to residents, “I am breathing a sigh of relief. Now is a time to heal.”
Gov. Chris Sununu issued the following statement after Maine State Police confirmed that Robert Card was found dead:
“Grateful for the efforts of Maine State Police who led the manhunt to bring closure to this challenging search. Thanks to the men and women of our own New Hampshire State Police for their tireless assistance. It is time for the communities in Maine to heal and I hope the families of this tragic situation can heal in peace.”
Apparently, President Joe Biden told U.S. Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, that the shooter had been found.
The communities around the bowling alley and restaurant where the shootings occurred were in lockdown until Friday night after the Wednesday night shootings. The rampage closed schools, offices, and public buildings for two days leaving communities in fear.
Many New Hampshire law enforcement officials were helping with the investigation and search for Card, in the air, water and ground.
For Mainers, a restriction was placed on hunting for Saturday in the area near Lewiston but it was lifted Friday night following the discovery of the body.
It would allow those residents to now gather to grieve together for the following victims:
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
William A. Young, 44