Maine shooting: New details emerge in Robert Card's death

Maine officials have opened up centers for shooting survivors and their loved ones to gather to access a number of resources, including mental health services, financial aid, spiritual care, and more.

The Family Assistance Center has been launched by Maine State Police in conjunction with the Maine Attorney General’s Office, the Red Cross, and the FBI Victim Services Division.

The hub, located at the Lewiston Armory, will remain open "for an adequate period of time to allow access for all victims."

Law enforcement will be present at the center to address safety and security concerns.

A separate site at the Ramada Inn will provide mental health assistance for the larger community.

Authorities urge those impacted by the shooting to reach out for assistance as the community grieves, directing residents to the Maine Crisis Line, a 24-hour confidential mental health service, the NAMI Maine Helpline for mental health resources, the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, and more.
"We are opening the family assistance center to do everything we can to meet the needs of those whose lives have been changed forever," said FBI Boston Division Special Agent in Charge Jodi Cohen, adding that over 40 victim specialists from across the country will be part of the effort.

She continued, "The toll this type of tragedy takes on victims’ and their families is immeasurable and we ask everyone to respect their privacy at this difficult time."

2:33

Maine officials launch resources for shooting victims, those impacted

Officials have opened up centers for shooting survivors and their loved ones to gather to access a number of resources, including mental health services, financial aid, spiritual care, and more.

President Joe Biden issued a statement Friday night following the news that the suspect in the Maine mass shootings was found dead, saying, "This has been a tragic two days – not just for Lewiston, Maine, but for our entire country."

"Tonight we’re grateful that Lewiston and surrounding communities are safe after spending excruciating days hiding in their homes," Biden added.

Biden also thanked law enforcement, saying "they are the best of us," and, again, called on congressional Republicans to pass gun safety legislation.

"The Lewiston community – and all Americans – deserve nothing less," the president said.

-ABC News' Fritz Farrow

Attorney General Merrick Garland thanked law enforcement for their efforts in finding the suspect and pledged continued support for those who have been impacted by the mass shooting.

"I want to thank our state and local law enforcement partners, along with the FBI, ATF, U.S. Marshals, and other federal agencies who have been working day and night to locate the shooter and keep the affected communities safe," Garland said in a statement.

Garland said that the FBI would continue to provide victim support resources to those who have been devastated by the tragedy that happened in Lewiston on Wednesday.

"No community should have to endure these mass shootings which have become routine in our country," Garland said.

Lewiston Police Chief David L. St. Pierre said authorities are relieved that the manhunt for mass shooting suspect Robert Card has ended.

"Our community can now breathe a sigh of relief, as the Gov. stated, and I can’t echo that enough," the police chief said, addressing the media at a news conference Friday night.

11:47

Authorities confirm that Maine shooting suspect is dead

Robert Card, the suspect in the Maine mass shooting, was found dead by a self-inflicted gunshot wound, authorities said Friday.

Despite Carr being found dead of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound, which authorities confirmed at the press event, St. Pierre said law enforcement has a lot of work ahead of them.

"Our work again is not done here. I was very elated tonight when I got the call from Commissioner Sauschuck advising me of the revelation of what took place and that Mr. Card is deceased and no longer a threat to our community or any other community," he said. "I just don’t want to forget the families that are grieving and will continue to grieve. I don't want to forget the law enforcement officials that have worked tirelessly throughout this whole event to come to a good conclusion."

He added, "I'm very happy to be here, and I’m very happy to say the threat is over."

Authorities also noted that hunting, which had been restricted in four communities where searching for the suspect had been taking place, is no longer banned for the weekend.

Officials said they will share further updates on Saturday.