Lewiston, Maine – An independent commission appointed by Democratic Governor Janet Mills and Attorney General Aaron Frey has shed light on missed opportunities to prevent a tragic mass shooting by Army reservist Robert Card. The commission’s report revealed that law enforcement had reasons to place the killer in protective custody and disarm him before the deadly events unfolded on October 25, when Card claimed the lives of 18 individuals in a bowling alley and a bar.
Led by a former chief justice of Maine’s highest court, the commission conducted seven sessions to investigate the events leading up to the shooting. Throughout the sessions, law enforcement officials, survivors, victims’ family members, and members of the U.S. Army Reserve provided insight into Card’s behavior and mental state that raised concerns about the potential for violence.
Family members of Card had alerted authorities about his growing paranoia and worries about his access to firearms as early as May. The severity of the situation escalated when Card was hospitalized in a psychiatric unit in July after exhibiting violent behavior towards a fellow reservist. Despite multiple warning signs and concerns raised by his peers, Maine’s yellow flag law made it challenging for officials to remove Card’s guns, ultimately leading to tragic consequences.
During the search for Card after the shooting, testimonies revealed potential missed opportunities to locate him swiftly, causing distress to the community and leaving residents in fear. Emotional accounts from family members of the victims painted a poignant picture of the aftermath, with one fiancee tearfully sharing the heartbreaking moments and loss experienced by her 2-year-old daughter who now asks for her deceased father.
The report underscores the need for improved protocols and support systems to identify and intervene with individuals showing signs of escalating violence. The commission’s findings highlight the importance of effective gun control measures and mental health support to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future. The community’s resilience and the collective call for accountability serve as a stark reminder of the impact of gun violence on families and communities.