LEWISTON, Maine — Robert Card, the Army reservist responsible for a mass shooting that shook the community last year, exhibited signs of traumatic brain injury consistent with exposure to weapons blasts, as revealed by a recent study conducted by experts at the Boston University CTE Center. The findings, disclosed by the Card family through the Concussion Legacy Foundation, shed light on the potential role that brain injury played in the drastic behavioral changes observed in Card leading up to the tragic incident.
Card, 40, tragically opened fire at a bowling alley and bar in Lewiston, claiming the lives of 18 individuals. Prior to the attack, concerns were raised by those close to Card regarding his deteriorating mental state, indicating a period of growing paranoia and erratic behavior. Friends, family, and colleagues witnessed a shift in Card’s demeanor, prompting discussions about his mental health with local authorities.
The post-mortem analysis of Card’s brain, conducted by the Boston University CTE Center at the request of the Maine medical examiner’s office, revealed significant degeneration and other indicators of damage associated with blast injuries. Although Card had never been deployed in combat during his lengthy tenure in the Army Reserve, his role as an instructor at an Army hand grenade training range exposed him to numerous low-level blasts over the years.
According to experts like Zubair Ahmed, a neuroscience professor at the University of Birmingham, blast injuries can have profound effects on the brain, impacting various regions that govern emotions, impulses, and behavior. The irreversible nature of neuron loss underscores the severity of such injuries, providing a glimpse into the complexities of brain trauma and its potential implications for mental health and behavior.
The Card family, in a poignant statement, expressed remorse for the tragedy and a commitment to raising awareness of traumatic brain injury among military personnel. Their transparency in sharing the study’s findings reflects a desire to prevent similar incidents and contribute to ongoing research in the field. The acknowledgement of Card’s brain damage offers insights into understanding the intersection of brain trauma and mental health issues, underscoring the importance of continued exploration and study in this critical area.
As the Army faces mounting pressure to investigate the risks associated with blast injuries, the need for comprehensive tools and protocols to safeguard service members from the effects of high-pressure shock waves generated by explosives has become increasingly urgent. The quest for enhanced safety measures underscores the ongoing efforts to prioritize the well-being of military personnel and mitigate the potential long-term impacts of blast exposure.
In a time of reflection and introspection, the tragic events in Maine serve as a stark reminder of the complexities surrounding mental health, brain trauma, and the profound impact of such injuries on individuals and communities alike. The Card family’s openness and commitment to supporting research in this field encapsulate a shared desire to prevent future tragedies and foster a deeper understanding of the intricate interplay between brain health and behavior.