LEWISTON, Maine – The suspect in a series of mass shootings that left 18 people dead in Lewiston, Maine has been found dead, according to the Androscoggin County Sheriff’s Office. The body of 40-year-old Robert Card was discovered near a recycling plant in the Lisbon area, and the county sheriff’s office confirmed that he died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Law enforcement sources reported that Card’s body was found at approximately 7:45 p.m. local time near the Androscoggin River in Lisbon. Prior to the discovery, Card’s vehicle, a white Subaru Outback, had been abandoned by a boat launch on the river.

Maine Governor Janet Mills personally called President Biden to inform him of Card’s death. Mills expressed relief that Card is no longer a threat to anyone. In response, President Biden called the incident “a tragic two days – not just for Lewiston, Maine, but for our entire country.” He emphasized the need for greater efforts to keep the American people safe from gun violence.

The manhunt for Card had involved hundreds of state and local police officers as well as federal agents since the shootings occurred on Wednesday night. Despite an intense search that included a surrounded house in Bowdoin, Card remained at large until his body was found.

Authorities have recovered a weapon from Card’s abandoned vehicle, but it is unclear whether it was used in the shootings. Investigators are also examining Card’s cellphone and online activity in an effort to uncover a motive.

The victims of the mass shooting ranged in age from 14 to 76. They included a bar manager, a bowling instructor, a father, a 14-year-old and his father, and participants in a cornhole tournament for deaf athletes.

While the suspect had recently reported experiencing mental health issues and made threats against a military base, the investigation is still ongoing to determine if there were specific individuals targeted in the shootings.

The communities in the area were placed under shelter-in-place orders as a precautionary measure, but those orders were lifted on Friday. Attorney General Merrick Garland acknowledged that although Card no longer poses a threat, the lives lost and the trauma inflicted cannot be undone.

Sen. Susan Collins of Maine expressed gratitude to the first responders who worked tirelessly to apprehend Card, while emphasizing the need for further action to prevent similar tragedies in the future.