The search for Robert Card, an American soldier in the reserve who killed eighteen people in two shootings in the city of Lewiston (Maine) last Wednesday, focuses this Friday on the river next to which the vehicle was found in the one that allegedly fled.

This was reported during a news conference by Mike Sauschuck, commissioner of the Maine Department of Public Safety. In the Androscoggin River area near the municipality of Lisbon, divers, underwater robots and sonars will be used to search for “possible bodies”.

“This does not mean that we know that the suspect is in the water. What I’m saying is you’re going to see a lot of activity here,” said Sauschuck, who explained that since the event took place, more than half a thousand “clues and suggestions” have been received that have “come from the general public.” from different communities.”

The vehicle of the possible perpetrator of the shooting was located in Lisbon on Wednesday, about 12 kilometers from Lewiston, near a pier on the aforementioned river.

Sauschuck also confirmed that a letter was found in recent hours at one of the addresses registered to Card. “There was a note in one of these homes,” but “I’m not prepared to discuss its contents,” he said.

This photo distributed by the Maine State Police shows the 18 victims shot and killed in Lewiston on October 25, 2023 by suspect Robert Card, top row from left: Ronald G. Morin, Peyton Brewer. -Ross, Joshua A. Seal, Bryan M. McFarlane, Joseph Lawrence Walker, Arthur Fred Strout, middle row from left: Maxx A. Hathaway, Stephen M. Vozzella, Thomas Ryan Conrad, Michael R. Deslauriers II, Jason Adam Walker, Tricia C. Asselin, bottom row from left: William A. Young, Aaron Young, Robert E. Violette and Lucille M. Violette, William Frank Brackett and Keith D. Macneir. Photo: AFP

According to CNN, that letter contains a message in which the shooter states that he will not be found alive, information that has not been officially confirmed.

Sauschuck explained that the underwater search will be enhanced next Saturday with help from other states and other parts of Maine. To better search the river, the flow has been artificially reduced in recent hours.

End warning, but not danger

This Friday, US authorities decided to lift the ‘Shelter in place’ order for Maine residents who are waiting for the perpetrator of last Wednesday’s two shootings to be caught.

The rule ends this Saturday and does not mean “the danger has passed” as citizens must “remain vigilant,” Mike Sauschuck, commissioner of the Maine Department of Public Safety, said at a news conference.

“This does not mean that the crisis is over, that the emergency is over. We can go on with our lives, (…) but pay attention to the information we share,” he said at a press conference announcing the names of the 18 victims.

So the communities of Lewiston, Lisbon, Bowdoin and Monmouth will return to normal after two days of deserted streets and closed businesses and schools, although hunting will not be allowed for a while.

On Wednesday evening, military reservist Robert Card opened fire at a bowling alley and a restaurant in the city at around 6:56 pm local time (2256 GMT), killing 18 people and wounding 13 others. , probably armed and dangerous.

The Maine gunman, whose whereabouts are unknown, has been charged with eight counts of murder. He was shot with an AR15, an assault rifle known to have devastating effects on victims’ bodies, often making identification difficult. A bowling tournament for the deaf took place at the Spare Time Recreation bowling alley and at Schemengees restaurant and bar, a few minutes away.

The FBI has set up a website where citizens can send any graphic documents they have about the tragedy, which has shocked Maine and Lewiston, the state’s second-largest city. (JO)