AUGUSTA, Maine – Maine state police faced criticism for their handling of the search for a gunman responsible for the state’s deadliest shooting in history, which claimed the lives of 18 people at a bowling alley and bar. The shooting took place on October 25, and it took police two days to find the body of the shooter, Robert Card, who died by suicide. The delay in locating Card led to thousands of Maine residents being ordered to shelter in their homes.
State Police Chief Col. Bill Ross defended the search, calling the situation “extremely challenging” due to the two separate locations involved in the shooting. The police also faced difficulty in conducting the search as there were concerns about a possible late-night ambush if they were to approach the abandoned car in the woods where Card’s body was ultimately found.
According to Police Chief Ross, the pressure to find Card was immense, and it only grew heavier with each passing minute. The decision to delay the search in the woods was also supported by Maj. Lucas Hare, who cited concerns about facing off against a suspect with military training and potential night-vision capabilities.
Police evidence technicians revealed that Card fired at least 54 shots using a .308-caliber rifle, which was later found in his abandoned vehicle. Police also recovered Card’s cellphone, which contained a note dated three days before the shooting, expressing his frustrations and a mention of being “trained to hurt people.”
In the months leading up to the shooting, both police and the Army were warned about Card’s deteriorating mental health. His family expressed concerns about his access to guns, and the Army had previously barred him from handling weapons on duty.
The independent panel appointed by the governor aims to determine if anything could have been done to prevent the tragedy and to assess potential changes needed to prevent future mass shootings. The commission is also reviewing all the information related to Card’s mental state and his actions leading up to the shooting.
Overall, the search for the gunman was fraught with challenges, and the aftermath of the shooting has led to critical discussions about mental health awareness and gun access.
The situation also highlights the need for improved protocols in addressing mental health concerns and implementing preventive measures to avert mass shooting incidents.