Gunman’s Deteriorating Mental Health Known to Community Prior to Deadly Maine Shooting

PORTLAND, Maine—Recently released 911 transcripts have revealed the harrowing details of an October 25th shooting that left 18 people dead and 13 wounded, marking the deadliest shooting in Maine’s history. The transcripts captured the chaotic scene as calls poured into dispatch centers following the gunman’s assaults at a bowling alley and a bar.

The calls depicted tense moments as dispatchers stayed on the line with callers, providing encouragement and instructions to stay safe until law enforcement arrived. The transcripts also highlighted the community’s awareness of the shooter, with one caller correctly identifying the suspect, Robert Card of Bowdoin, and expressing concerns about his deteriorating mental health.

An independent commission appointed by Gov. Janet Mills is now investigating the shootings, focusing on why warning signs about Card’s mental health were allegedly ignored. Concerns about Card’s behavior had escalated following his hospitalization while with his Army Reserve unit for training, and his subsequent restriction from accessing military weapons and deployment with his unit.

Despite these warning signs, laws aimed at removing guns from individuals deemed dangerous were not invoked, and law enforcement lacked the legal authority to take further action during their visits to Card’s home in the month before the shootings. The sheriff’s office had even canceled a statewide alert seeking help locating Card a week prior to the deadly rampage.

The FBI stated that Card’s hospitalization did not lead to him being placed on a list of prohibited firearm owners, raising questions about the effectiveness of existing laws in addressing individuals who pose a danger to the community. The tragic incident has sparked a broader discussion about the gaps in current regulations and the need for better protocols to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

In conclusion, the release of the 911 transcripts has shed light on the chaotic and tragic events of October 25th, leaving the community grappling with questions about how the shooter’s deteriorating mental health went unchecked and what could have been done to prevent the devastating loss of life. The ongoing investigation and discussions surrounding the incident serve as a reminder of the importance of addressing mental health concerns and implementing effective measures to protect public safety.