Lewiston, Maine Mass Shooter and Missed Warning Signs
In a recently released report, the Army Reserve and Sagadahoc County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) have been implicated for having overlooked warning signs prior to the catastrophic mass shootings perpetrated by Robert Card in Lewiston, Maine. The findings of this report were the end product of an intensive independent investigation conducted to examine the circumstances leading up to and inclusive of this tragedy.
Details of the Investigation
The independent commission responsible for this comprehensive fact-finding mission conducted numerous public meetings, scrutinized vast volumes of evidence, and heard from a multitude of witnesses. Throughout their investigation, they encountered a number of instances where possible preventative measures were overlooked by both the police, who failed to confiscate Card’s weapons, and the Army Reserve, which missed the opportunity to provide Card with appropriate care. Their findings, presented at Lewiston City Hall, shone a damning light on a series of missed opportunities that may have been able to change the course of events.
The commission’s chair, Dan Wathen, exposed serious failings by the Army Reserve. He revealed that Card’s “commanding officer knew about his auditory hallucinations and increasingly aggressive behaviour”, his growing collection of guns, and made several concerning comments about his intentions. Despite being aware of the situation, they chose not to act on the recommendations of Card’s mental health providers to remain closely involved in his care and remove weapons from his possession.
Wathen also highlighted that in September 2023, the SCSO would have had sufficient probable cause to take Card into custody under Maine’s yellow flag law. This would have allowed the initiation of a petition to confiscate any firearms Card may have had within his control or possession.
Further Recommendations and Actions
The commission’s report issued recommendations for the Maine State Police to conduct a full, after-action review by an independent entity with policing expertise. This review would be able to make professional recommendations about policy, protocol, and other policing improvements in the future.
In the aftermath of the shootings, Maine’s legislature has passed new gun laws in the state. A tradition of hunting and strong firearms ownership has persisted in Maine, but a new three-day waiting period for gun purchases was introduced following these shocking events.
Despite the tragic loss resulting from this incident, measures are in place to ensure that such tragedy would not be repeated. The blame placed on the Army Reserve and the SCSO serves as a stark reminder that decisive action and vigilance are needed in dealing with potentially dangerous individuals.
