Meredith, New Hampshire – An independent commission has recently released a report on the events leading up to a tragic mass shooting in Lewiston, Maine, where Army reservist Robert Card killed 18 people at a bowling alley and a bar on October 25, 2023.
The commission’s findings revealed that law enforcement missed opportunities to prevent the shooting, as they should have seized Card’s guns and placed him in protective custody prior to the incident. Sergeant Aaron Skolfield of the Sagadahoc County Sheriff’s Office was specifically criticized for not taking action after receiving reports of Card’s mental health crisis and previous violent behavior.
Family members of the victims have expressed frustration at the missed opportunities, with Leroy Walker, whose son was killed in the shooting, emphasizing that the implementation of the yellow flag law could have potentially prevented the tragedy. Attorney Ben Gideon also echoed these sentiments, stating that the report should have addressed broader issues surrounding gun access for potentially dangerous individuals.
Despite the criticisms, Governor Janet Mills highlighted the importance of the commission’s work for the people of Maine and pledged to carefully review the report. Additionally, Commission Chair Daniel Wathen emphasized that their work is ongoing, with plans to release a final report in the summer after further meetings and analysis.
The commission’s interim report aims to provide policymakers and law enforcement with crucial information to prevent similar tragedies in the future. By shedding light on the missed opportunities to intervene in Card’s case, the commission seeks to offer answers and closure to the victims’ families and the community at large.
Moving forward, there is hope that the commission’s efforts will lead to meaningful changes in policies and procedures to prevent such senseless acts of violence in the future. As the investigation continues, there is a collective desire to learn from the past and ensure the safety and well-being of all individuals in the state.