'Too many to count': Mourning mass shooting in Maine, President Biden pleads for gun reform

LEWISTON, Maine - President Joe Biden mourned Friday with families of victims of a deadly mass shooting at a bowling alley and bar in Maine, as he renewed his call for Republicans in Congress to support new gun laws.

"This is about about common sense - reasonable, responsible measures to protect our children, our families, our communities," Biden said. "Because regardless of our politics, this is about protecting our freedom to go to a bowling alley, restaurant, school, church, without being shot and killed."

Biden spoke outside of Just-In-Time Recreation in Lewiston, Maine, one of two sites where collectively 18 people were shot and killed in an Oct. 25 massacre by gunman Robert Card.

Earlier, Biden and first lady Jill Biden paid tribute at the other shooting site across town, Schemengees Bar & Grille, laying flowers at a makeshift memorial to honor victims.

For Biden, it marked another trip to a community shattered by gun violence.

"As we mourn today in Maine, this tragedy opens painful, painful wounds all across the country.Too many Americans have lost loved ones or survived the trauma of gun violence," Biden said. "I know because Jill and I had met with them in Buffalo, in Uvalde in Monterey Park, and Sandy Hook."

"Too many to count," Biden added.

Biden has pushed for Congress to pass legislation to reinstate a ban on automatic weapons, require universal background checks for gun purchases and adopt a national red flag law, but he's been unable to overcome Republican opposition.

Card, 40, was able to legally purchase his firearms despite a history of mental illness. A statewide awareness alert was issued last month to all Maine law enforcement agencies after Card, a U.S. Army reservist, made threats against his base. And in mid-July, Card was taken by police for an evaluation after military officials became concerned about his erratic behavior.

Following a massive manhunt, Card was found dead last Friday at a recycling center in Lisbon Falls, Maine, where officials said he died of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.

"Eighteen precious souls stolen, 13 wounded," Biden said. "Children. Grandchildren. Spouses. Siblings. Parents. Grandparents. Bowling coaches. Union workers. Beloved members and advocates and friends of the Lewiston deaf and hard-of-hearing community. All of them lived lives of love and service and sacrifice."

Biden also recognized the survivors who "will forever carry the memories of their physical emotional scars."

In his visit to Lewiston, Biden was joined by Maine's two U.S. senators, Republican Susan Collins and independent Angus King, U.S. Rep. Chellie Pingree, D-Maine, and state and local officials. Rep. Jared Golden, Maine's other member of Congress, who hails from a competitive swing district, was not present.

"Our collective strength is far greater than any number of bullets," Lewiston Mayor Carl Sheline said, kicking off a short ceremony for the victims.

Democratic Maine Gov. Janet Mills, who invited Biden to her state, said, "Out of this darkness, I believe there is light. I believe there is hope." She said she sees that in the "resilient" people of Lewiston who are "as strong as they are compassionate."

"Mr. President, in this difficult time, we take comfort and solace in knowing that the entire nation stands with Lewiston," Mills said. "And we feel the warmth of your visit and the strength of your unwavering support for our state."

Biden concluded his remarks saying "we know your hearts are broken but we also know your spirts are strong."

"The way this community has come together, the way this state has come together, has been a marvel for the rest of the country," Biden said.

The Associated Press contributed to this report. Reach Joey Garrison at X, formerly known as Twitter, @joeygarrison.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Joe Biden, in Maine to mourn mass shooting, pushes for gun reform