In a shocking turn of events, the man suspected of carrying out a mass shooting in Lewiston, Maine, has been found dead of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. Robert R. Card II, 40, was discovered at a recycling center where he used to work, according to authorities. The extensive manhunt for Card had caused widespread fear and forced thousands of residents in the region to remain in their homes. The body was found at 7:45 p.m. on Friday, although the exact time of his death is still unknown.

Leo Madden, the owner of Maine Recycling, confirmed that Card had been an employee at the company. Commissioner Michael J. Sauschuck of the Maine Department of Public Safety expressed relief that the suspect is no longer a threat. He stated, "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."

However, for some, the news of Card's death brought no closure. Leroy Walker Sr., an Auburn city councilor, whose son was among the victims, expressed his disappointment, saying, "The feeling with me is no closure... I was hoping for them to find him alive."

Governor Janet Mills confirmed the news of Card's death, stating that he was found in Lisbon Falls, Maine, near the Androscoggin River. She called President Biden to inform him of the development and expressed a sense of relief that Card no longer posed a threat.

The search for Card had covered a large portion of the state, causing high anxiety among residents. Helicopters circled over farms and forests, while police cruisers raced along rural roads. Divers even went into the chilly waters of the Androscoggin River in search of the suspect.

The motive behind the mass shooting remains unclear. Card, a U.S. Army reservist, had recently undergone a mental health evaluation after displaying erratic behavior during training. He had been committed to a mental health facility for two weeks earlier this year. Law enforcement officials found a suicide note addressed to Card's son but have not determined a motive for the shootings.

The names and photos of the victims, ranging in age from 14 to 76, were released by State Public Safety Commissioner Mike Sauschuck. The close-knit community of Lewiston, with its population of only 37,000, has been devastated by the tragedy. Governor Mills noted that many Maine residents would personally know someone who died in the shooting. The incident has had a profound impact on the state, which typically has one of the lowest homicide rates in the country.

This mass shooting marks the deadliest incident of gun violence in Maine's modern history. Governor Mills emphasized the need for healing and unity, stating, "This is not us, Lewiston is a great place... and tonight the city of Lewiston and the state of Maine can begin to move forward on what will be a long and difficult road to healing, but we will heal together."

The discovery of Card's body brings an end to a 48-hour manhunt that gripped the state and shocked the nation. President Joe Biden condemned the attacks, calling them "senseless and tragic." He reiterated his call for Congress to take action on gun control measures, including universal background checks and bans on assault weapons and high-capacity magazines.

The community of Lewiston and the state of Maine now face the daunting task of healing and coming to terms with the devastating loss of life. The road to recovery will undoubtedly be long and challenging, but the resilience and unity of the people will guide them through this difficult time.