Maine Mass Shooter Robert Card Likely Alive During Most of Two-Day Manhunt, Died of Self-Inflicted Gunshot

Medical Examiner's Report Suggests Card Was Alive, Possibly on the Run for Over 24 Hours Post-Shooting; Authorities Questioned Over Initial Response and Ongoing Scrutiny of Card's Mental Health Warnings.

Maine mass shooter Robert Card was likely alive and potentially on the loose during a significant part of the two-day manhunt that followed his deadly rampage. Card, who killed 18 people and injured 13 others in a bar and bowling alley, died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound 8 to 12 hours before his body was discovered.
Authorities have faced criticism over the handling of the manhunt as they searched the recycling plant where Card's body was eventually found, twice without finding him. The plant was his former place of employment. Card's body was discovered on a third sweep of the area, after a suggestion from the plant's supervisor to look through the trailers.
Members of Card's family and colleagues had raised concerns about his mental health for months prior to the shooting, including reports that Card had accused people of calling him a pedophile and that he was growing increasingly paranoid. Despite these warnings, local law enforcement and the Army Reserve were unable to prevent the shootings.
The extent and timeline of Card's potential movements during the manhunt are still uncertain, leading to questions as to whether the mass shooter was hiding in the recycling plant the entire time, or if he went there later.
Amid criticism, Maine Governor Janet Mills announced plans to work with the state attorney general to establish an independent commission to investigate the shooting, Card's warnings, and the police response.