LEWISTON, Maine — Reactions from officials both near and far poured in after news broke that the suspect accused of killing 18 and injuring more than a dozen in a mass shooting event Wednesday in Lewiston was found dead Friday night.
Robert Card, 40, of Bowdoin died of a suspected self-inflicted gunshot wound near the Androscoggin River in Lisbon Falls. He was found nearly a mile away from where his car was abandoned.
Card's body was found at a Maine Recycling Corporation, where he reportedly worked.
The shootings Wednesday unfolded at two locations: Just-in-Time Recreation, formerly Sparetime Recreation, and Schemengees Bar and Grille Restaurant.
Here is a timeline of the events:
Maine leaders share their thoughts
After a 10 p.m. press conference on Friday, Mainers are finally able to "breathe a sigh of relief."
Gov. Janet Mills spoke at the Friday press conference in Lewiston, confirming law enforcement officials found the body of 40-year-old Lewiston mass shooting suspect Robert Card in Lisbon Falls.
Gov. Janet Mills:
"This discovery is entirely thanks to the hundreds of local, county, state, and federal law enforcement members who searched tirelessly to arrive at this moment. On behalf of all Maine people, I want to express my profound gratitude for your unwavering bravery and determination, and I want to thank Lewiston Police Chief St. Pierre.
Like many Maine people, I breathe a sigh of relief knowing that Robert Card is no longer a threat to anyone else. I know there are many people who share that sentiment. I also know that his death may not bring solace to the victims of this tragedy.
While this search has concluded, I know that law enforcement continues to fully investigate this tragedy so that we can bring what closure we can to the victims and their families. I ask that all Maine people continue to keep those families, and all of the people impacted by this tragedy, in their thoughts.
Lewiston is a special place. It is a close-knit community with a long history of hard work, of persistence, of faith, of opening its big heart to people everywhere.
Tonight, Lewiston, and the State of Maine, begin to move forward on what will be a long and difficult road to healing, but we will heal together."
Maine Senate President Troy Jackson:
Senator Susan Collins, R-Maine:
"Tonight, Mainers can breathe a collective sigh of relief thanks to the brave first responders who worked night and day to find this killer.
When President Biden called me this evening to tell me the perpetrator of the heinous attacks in Lewiston had been found, we both expressed our profound appreciation for the courage and determination of these brave men and women.
I want to also thank Governor Mills for her steadfast leadership, the health care workers who cared for the victims, the city officials who have worked tirelessly, and the people of Maine who came together in the wake of this attack.
To the families who lost loved ones and to those injured by this attack, I know that no words can diminish the shock, pain, and justifiable anger you feel. It is my hope that you will find solace and strength in knowing that you are in the hearts of people throughout Maine and across the nation."
Sen. Angus King, I-Maine:
"Tonight, I join my neighbors and friends in a communal sense of relief. We are grateful to law enforcement and first responders, for fifty hours of nonstop dedication and determination that brought us this relief. It will take a long, long time to process this pain, but Maine people have grit, resolve and heart and we will come together through this difficult grieving period and hope for a brighter, calmer day."
Rep. Jared Golden, D-Maine:
"With the news that the murderer responsible for Wednesday's shooting has been found dead, the people of Lewiston and the surrounding communities can feel safe that this threat has ended.
I know that we will all continue to pray for and care for the families who have lost loved ones, for the wounded, and for the survivors who experienced this terrible shooting. This is a time for mourning the loss of life and to honor the memory of each one of these members of our greater community.
I want to express gratitude to local law enforcement agents and all who responded from across the state and the country to put their lives at risk to protect our community, and also to the EMT and medical professionals who responded to this crisis."
District 94 Rep. Kristen Cloutier:
"I am relieved that members of our community and residents across the state are finally able to grieve, mourn, and begin the healing process together, knowing that the perpetrator of this tragedy is no longer a threat. I offer my deepest condolences to all those who were injured and lost loved ones in this senseless act of violence, and my sincere gratitude to our first responders and members of law enforcement who worked tirelessly over the past three days to keep us all safe and informed. Our resiliency, strength and determination will serve us well in the months and years ahead."
Lewiston Mayor Carl Sheline:
"The people of Lewiston can breathe a sigh of relief now that the suspect for Wednesday’s violence has been found dead. I know I speak for the entire city when I say that the men and women of Lewiston Police Department, Maine State Police, and the many other law enforcement agencies involved in this investigation have our profound gratitude. Now it’s time to take a breath, begin to mourn our dead, and try to heal. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: Lewiston people are known for our strength and grit and we will need both in the days to come."
Lewiston Public Schools Superintendent Jake Langlais:
"He has been found. A wave of relief just ran over me - A big step toward healing and everyone who has been searching in such dangerous conditions can go home safe to their families. More work to do but this news means so much!"
Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows:
President and CEO of Central Maine Healthcare Steve Littleson:
"On behalf of all of us at Central Maine Medical Center, we were truly honored today by Governor Mills’ visit to our hospital. We toured many areas together where patients from this week’s tragedy continue to be treated, but in our ICU the Governor’s concern was truly impactful. She deeply connected with our ICU nursing team, who have been caring for patients since this event unfolded. The State of Maine is fortunate to have such a compassionate leader."
The University of Maine:
"With gratitude to all who came together as well as to law enforcement who searched tirelessly around the clock, a sense of relief is being felt across our state and our nation tonight."