Maine leaders react to death of Lewiston shooter

LEWISTON, Maine (WABI) - Robert Card, the suspect in the Lewiston mass shooting is dead from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head, authorities confirmed.

Officials say Card was located at 7:45 p.m. Friday in Lisbon Falls.

Our media partner, WMTW, said Card was found on Capital Avenue in Lisbon.

Authorities say additional details will be released at a press conference Saturday at 10 a.m.

Gov. Janet Mills released this statement:

“I stand before you tonight to report that Maine State Police have located the body of Robert Card in Lisbon. He is dead. I called President Biden to inform him about this news, and I also informed Senator King and Senator Collins and Representative Pingree and Representative Golden.

“Commissioner Sauschuck will describe the circumstances of that discovery to the extent possible in a few moments. 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 closeknit 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.”

Sen. Susan Collins released the following statement Friday night following confirmation that the Lewiston shooter had been found dead:

“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 released this statement:

“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 brighter, calmer days.”

Rep. Chellie Pingree released this statement on X/Twitter:

“The person responsible for the senseless killings in Lewiston has been found dead. I thank the many dedicated law enforcement personnel, medical professionals, local leaders, journalists, and members of our communities for their tireless work this week and in the days to come.”

Secretary of State Shenna Bellows release this statement on X/Twitter:

“Thank you to law enforcement who worked so hard to find the perpetrator. We grieve. We remember. Hopefully, we can heal.”

The Justice Department issued the following statement from Attorney General Merrick B. Garland:

“This evening, law enforcement recovered the body of Robert Card, the suspect in the horrific mass shooting in Lewiston on Wednesday evening. I want to thank our state and local law enforcement partners, along with the FBI, ATF, U.S. Marshals, and other federal agencies who have been working day and night to locate the shooter and keep the affected communities safe.

Although we are grateful that the suspect in this case no longer poses a threat, we know that nothing can bring back the lives he stole or undo the terror he inflicted.

The FBI will continue to provide victim support resources to those who have been devastated by this attack, and the entire Justice Department will provide ongoing support to our state and local law enforcement partners.

As I said yesterday, no community should have to endure these mass shootings which have become routine in our country.”