The suspect in a Maine mass shooting, Robert Card, has been revealed to hold extremist right-wing views, particularly against the transgender community.
An arrest warrant has now been issued, charging Card, 40, on at least eight counts of murder, a figure expected to rise as more victims are identified.
Card has retweeted far-right figures and their transphobic views, according to news site Heavy.
Card’s digital activity on X showcases his support for damaging narratives propagated by right-wing personalities Tucker Carlson and Donald Trump Jr. Following a separate mass shooting incident in Nashville in March, Carlson posted inflammatory remarks on X, formerly known as Twitter.
“The trans movement, it turns out, is the mirror image of Christianity, and therefore its natural enemy. People who believe they’re God can’t stand to be reminded that they’re not,” Carlson said.
The trans movement, it turns out, is the mirror image of Christianity, and therefore its natural enemy. People who believe they\u2019re God can\u2019t stand to be reminded that they\u2019re not.
Trump Jr. also posted on X, writing, “Given the incredible rise of trans/non-binary mass shooters in the last few years… by far the largest group committing as a percentage of population… maybe, rather than talking about guns we should be talking about lunatics pushing their gender affirming bullshit on our kids?” Card liked both posts, indicating his endorsement of these harmful ideologies.
Given the incredible rise of trans/non-binary mass shooters in the last few years\u2026 by far the largest group committing as a percentage of population\u2026 maybe, rather than talking about guns we should be talking about lunatics pushing their gender affirming bullshit on our kids?
In the wake of this tragedy, President Joe Biden released a statement expressing grief and calling for enhanced gun control measures.
He lamented, “Once again, our nation is in mourning after yet another senseless and tragic mass shooting. Today, Jill and I are praying for the Americans who’ve lost their lives, for those still in critical care, and for the families, survivors, and community members enduring shock and grief.”
The President also urged the public to follow the guidance of local officials as federal law enforcement personnel actively collaborate with state and local partners on the scene. He affirmed his administration’s support for the people of Maine.
“As I told Maine Governor Janet Mills, Senators Collins and King, and Congressman Golden last night, I have directed my administration to provide everything that is needed to support the people of Maine. We will continue to be there every step of the way,” Biden said.
Highlighting the recurring trauma for survivors of gun violence and their families, Biden emphasized the importance of taking action on gun safety. He said, “Today, in the wake of yet another tragedy, I urge Republican lawmakers in Congress to fulfill their duty to protect the American people. Work with us to pass a bill banning assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, to enact universal background checks, to require safe storage of guns, and end immunity from liability for gun manufacturers. This is the very least we owe every American who will now bear the scars — physical and mental — of this latest attack.”
Flags around the country have been ordered to fly at half-staff in honor of the victims of the attack.