The body of Robert Card, the suspect believed to have killed 18 people in Lewiston, Maine, has been found, according to Maine Department of Public Safety Commissioner Mike Sauschuck. After a 48-hour manhunt, Card’s body was discovered near the Androscoggin River in Lisbon Falls on Friday night. Sauschuck confirmed that Card died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. The exact time of death is still unknown, and the investigation is ongoing.
The horrifying incident occurred on Wednesday night in Lewiston when Card targeted a bowling alley, resulting in the death of 18 individuals and 13 others being injured. Shortly after the incident, the police released images of Card, identifying him as a 40-year-old military-trained firearms instructor at the US Army Reserve training facility who had a history of mental health issues. In response, the city of Lewiston was placed on lockdown, and an extensive search for the suspect was launched. A vehicle believed to have been used by Card was found in Lisbon, prompting residents there to be advised to shelter in place.
In a statement from the White House, US President Joe Biden expressed his condolences to the victims and their families. He acknowledged the deep and painful wounds that mass shootings inflict on the American people, particularly those who have survived gun violence in the past. Biden emphasized the urgent need for Congress to take action, calling for legislation to ban assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, as well as the implementation of universal background checks and other restrictive measures.
The alarming statistics on gun violence in the United States were highlighted, with the Gun Violence Archive reporting that as of October 26, a staggering 35,306 people had died as a result of gun violence this year alone. This figure includes 1,160 teenagers and 246 children. These numbers further underscore the urgent need for comprehensive gun control measures to prevent further tragedies.
President Biden’s call to action has ignited a renewed debate on gun control legislation. Advocates argue that stricter regulations are necessary to ensure public safety and prevent such atrocities from happening in the future. However, opponents argue that gun control measures infringe upon their constitutional rights and that the focus should be on addressing mental health issues instead.
As the investigation into the Lewiston shooting continues, communities across the country are grappling with the lasting impact of gun violence. Mass shootings have become an all-too-familiar occurrence, leaving families shattered and communities traumatized. The urgent need for concrete action to address the underlying issues contributing to gun violence is evident, and the responsibility lies with lawmakers to prioritize the safety and well-being of the American people.
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