President Biden spoke at the conclusion of a days-long manhunt for a mass shooter in Maine, applauding law enforcement and urging Republicans to help reduce gun violence in the United States.
On Friday, law authorities located Lewiston, Maine, mass shooting suspect Robert Card dead, concluding a manhunt that had captivated the nation’s attention.
“Numerous brave law enforcement officers have worked around the clock to find this suspect and prevent the loss of more innocent lives — all while risking their own. They are the best of us,” said Biden in a statement late Friday.
Card, 40, was discovered dead Friday night from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound behind a dumpster at a recycling company in Lisbon, Maine, where he formerly worked. He is the principal suspect in the horrific shooting at Schemengees Bar and Grille and the Just-In-Time Recreation bowling alley in Lewiston on Wednesday, which killed 18 people and injured 13.
While praising the police, Biden was critical of his Republican colleagues, using the opportunity to demand policy changes.
“Americans should not have to live like this,” the president said. “I once again call on Republicans in Congress to fulfil their obligation to keep the American people safe.”
He added, “Until that day comes, I will continue to do everything in my power to end this gun violence epidemic. The Lewiston community – and all Americans – deserve nothing less.”
Card was discovered by Maine State Police at 7:45 p.m. on Friday. His body was discovered during a two-day manhunt in connection with the deadly shootings.
Biden later added to his views on social media on Saturday.
“At least eighteen souls brutally slain and more injured, and scores of family and friends praying and experiencing trauma no one ever wants to imagine. We’re grateful that Lewiston and surrounding communities are now safe,” Biden wrote on social media platform X.
“I thank the brave law enforcement officers who worked around the clock to find this suspect,” he added.
During the manhunt, hundreds of law enforcement agents, including the FBI, SWAT, and the BORTAC Border Patrol squad, sought to find Card, who was regarded by officials as armed and dangerous.
Gov. Janet Mills stated during a press conference that the suspect had been discovered and that she had contacted the four federal lawmakers representing Maine.
“This discovery is entirely thanks to the hundreds of local, county, state and federal law enforcement members from all over and people from other states as well, people who searched tirelessly to arrive at this moment,” the governor said.
