U.S. News

Biden calls for gun reform again after Maine suspect found

By Jake Beardslee · October 28, 2023

After a days-long manhunt, the suspect in a mass shooting that left 18 dead in Maine was found dead of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound Friday night. President Biden praised law enforcement but also used the occasion to demand Republican support for gun reform.

The suspect, 40-year-old Robert Card, was wanted in connection with a shooting rampage Wednesday at two locations in Lewiston, Maine. The shootings at a bar and bowling alley left 18 people dead and 13 injured. Hundreds of law enforcement officers worked to locate Card, who was considered armed and dangerous.

In a statement late Friday after Card’s body was discovered, in a statement President Biden commended the “numerous brave law enforcement officers” who located the suspect. Biden said they “worked around the clock to find this suspect and prevent the loss of more innocent life — all while risking their own.”

However, Biden also criticized Republicans in Congress for not doing more to curb gun violence. “Americans should not have to live like this,” Biden said, calling on the GOP to “fulfill their obligation to keep the American people safe.” He vowed to “continue to do everything in my power to end this gun violence epidemic.”

On Saturday, Biden followed up with remarks on social media, again thanking law enforcement in a post on X, but saying “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.”

After an exhaustive 2-day search involving hundreds of law enforcement officers, Card’s body was ultimately located next to a dumpster at a Lisbon recycling facility where he was formerly employed. The Maine’s governor said the suspect was located “entirely thanks to the hundreds of local, county, state and federal law enforcement members.”