Lewiston, Maine – An Army reservist in Maine who carried out the deadliest shooting in the state’s history had received praise from his superiors in his annual evaluation despite concerns about his mental health raised by his family members. Robert Card, 40, of Bowdoin, was described as a “consummate professional” and an excellent squad leader in the documents released under an open records request. However, just six months later, he committed a mass shooting resulting in the deaths of 18 people before taking his own life.
Records show that Card had undergone mental health-related training in the past when he volunteered to be a suicide prevention officer for his unit. His personnel file did not contain any disciplinary records, but it was noted that such records would not be released without permission from his family. Fellow Army reservists are scheduled to testify before an independent commission appointed by the governor to investigate the tragic shootings that occurred at a bowling alley and a bar in Lewiston on October 25.
Prior to the shootings, body camera video footage revealed fellow reservists expressing concern about Card’s behavior, with one individual even warning his superior officer that he believed Card was going to “snap and do a mass shooting.” Despite these warnings, there were no mentions of such concerns in Card’s personnel record dating back to his enlistment in 2002 at the University of Maine.
In his final evaluation, Card was praised for exceeding standards in his role as a senior trainer, demonstrating an approachable and reliable demeanor. The reports did not reference any worries about his mental health. However, just three months later, Card was hospitalized after exhibiting paranoid behavior and making accusations towards others. He confessed to police that he was capable of doing something dangerous, prompting concern among his peers.
The tragic conclusion to the events occurred when Card took his own life in a parking lot two days after the mass shooting, ending the largest manhunt in the state’s history. In total, 18 individuals lost their lives, and 13 others were injured as a result of the devastating incident. The case has sparked discussions about the evaluation processes within the military and the importance of recognizing mental health concerns among service members.