A U.S. Army investigation into the reservist responsible for the Maine mass shooting that killed 18 people found several lapses in his unit’s handling of warning signs leading up to the massacre. The report released on Tuesday revealed that three officers in the gunman’s chain of command were disciplined for dereliction of duty after multiple alarm bells rang about Robert Card’s intent to commit violence.
Family members, friends, and coworkers had raised concerns about Card’s deteriorating mental health and threats for months before the shooting. Law enforcement was aware that Card had a stash of firearms in his home but failed to confiscate them. On October 25, 2023, Card opened fire at a bar and bowling alley in Lewiston, Maine. Two days later, he was found dead of a self-inflicted gunshot wound after an intense search.
The Army report detailed a decline in Card’s mental health starting in January 2023, with witnesses testifying that he heard voices and believed his loved ones had turned against him. Local law enforcement knew about four alarming mental health incidents involving Card and his firearms, but did not take action. In July 2023, Card underwent a behavioral health evaluation and was diagnosed with Brief Psychotic Disorder.
Leading up to the shooting, Card made increasingly violent threats to friends and family members. Concerns were relayed to his reserve unit chain of command, but Card committed the mass shooting before any meaningful intervention could take place. The Army’s findings have been provided to medical experts for review, while the Maine State Police and an independent state commission are also investigating the incident.
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