In a shocking turn of events, the body of Army reservist Robert Card, the main suspect in the Lewiston mass shooting, has been found after a two-day manhunt. The shooting, which occurred on Wednesday night in Lewiston, Maine, left 18 people dead and 13 others injured. Police had urged residents and local businesses to lockdown immediately as they searched for the shooter.

Authorities identified 40-year-old Robert Card as the "person of interest" and later the suspect in the deadly shooting. Disturbing images of the gunman were made public for identification, showing him wearing brown clothes and brandishing a high-powered assault-style rifle. The weapon was described as an AR-15-style rifle with a possible telescopic sight. Card, a Sgt 1st class in the Army Reserve, served as a firearms instructor and had no combat deployments during his enlistment.

According to a Maine law enforcement bulletin, Card had disclosed mental health issues, including auditory hallucinations and threats to attack the National Guard Base in Saco. He had recently been admitted to a mental health facility for two weeks. His sister-in-law, Katie Card, described him as a loving and hardworking person who had experienced an acute episode of mental health in the past year. He began wearing hearing aids and believed he could hear people talking about him at the locations of the shooting.

The suspect showed an interest in right-wing pundits and politics on social media, particularly on X (formerly Twitter). His account, which has since been deleted, revealed that he liked posts from figures like Elon Musk, Donald Trump Jr, Tucker Carlson, and Jordan Peterson. He seemed to focus on content expressing anti-trans views, as well as gun rights, the coronavirus, and the economy. It's important to note that liking a post does not necessarily signify agreement, and there is no indication that this was a political attack.

The shooting took place at Just In Time Recreation and Schemengees Bar & Grille. Police, fire, and rescue personnel responded to reports of an active shooter at both locations. Video footage showed multiple police vehicles in the area, and the public was advised to shelter in place. In total, 18 people were killed, including seven at the bowling alley, seven at the bar, and one outside. Thirteen others were injured.

The search for the gunman continued throughout Thursday, with law enforcement expanding their efforts. Diving teams were deployed in the Androscoggin River, and press conferences were held to provide updates. On Friday evening, the gunman's body was discovered in a box trailer in the overflow lot of Maine Recycling Corporation. It is believed that he died by suicide. Maine Governor Janet Mills expressed relief and gratitude to the officers involved in the manhunt, stating that now is the time to heal.

Following the shooting, schools and businesses in Lewiston and surrounding areas remained on lockdown. The community, with a population of 1.3 million people, has one of the country's lowest murder rates. As the news of the gunman's death spread, events began to resume, and there was a steady stream of traffic at a solid waste facility. Vigils will be held for the victims over the weekend, providing an opportunity for the community to come together and heal.

Politicians, gun safety advocacy groups, and author Stephen King have condemned the attacks. President Joe Biden ordered all US flags to be flown at half-mast and called for tighter gun safety laws. Vice President Kamala Harris echoed this sentiment and pledged to work towards saving lives through the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention. The White House also called for collaboration on gun legislation from newly-elected House speaker Mike Johnson.

The victims of the shooting have been identified, including a 14-year-old boy named Aaron Young who was at the bowling alley with his father. Other victims include Bob Violette, a native of Lewiston who ran a youth bowling league, Tommy Conrad who worked as a manager at the bowling alley, and friends Michael Deslauriers and Jason Walker who died protecting their family members. Tricia Asselin, who worked part-time at Just-In-Time Recreation, and Joseph Walker, the bar manager at Schemengees Bar & Grille, were also among the victims.

As the community of Lewiston begins the healing process, the nation mourns another senseless and tragic mass shooting. The focus now turns to implementing tighter gun safety laws and providing support to the victims' families and the affected community.