LEWISTON, Maine—An independent commission revealed that the sheriff’s office investigating the individual responsible for Maine’s deadliest mass shooting had missed a critical opportunity to prevent the tragedy. The Maine Commission released a 30-page interim report detailing their examination of the law enforcement response to the fatal shootings that occurred last fall. The commission’s focus was on the events leading up to Army reservist Robert Card’s killing of 18 people at Schemengees Bar and Grille and at Just-In-Time Recreation on Oct. 25, as well as the subsequent response.
The report from the Lewiston Commission pointed out several missed opportunities that could have altered the course of events on the day of the mass shooting. In particular, the commission was critical of Sgt. Aaron Skolfield’s handling of a report received five weeks prior to the shooting, indicating that Card was in the midst of a mental health crisis. Skolfield, from the Sagadahoc County Sheriff’s Office, was urged to initiate a “yellow flag” process, allowing for the temporary removal of somebody’s guns during a psychiatric health crisis.
Maine State Police and the Sagadahoc County Sheriff’s Office did not provide immediate responses to requests for comments on the commission’s findings. Commission Chair Daniel Wathen emphasized the ongoing nature of their work and highlighted that the interim report aimed to equip policymakers and law enforcement with crucial insights they had gathered.
Led by a former chief justice of Maine’s highest court, the commission undertook a comprehensive review, involving testimonies from law enforcement officials, survivors, victims’ family members, and U.S. Army Reserve members. The focus was to determine whether preventative measures could have been taken and what changes should be implemented moving forward.
Card, who took his own life following a two-day search, had been a known figure to law enforcement, with concerns raised by both his family and fellow service members about his deteriorating mental health and potential for violence prior to the mass shootings. Relatives had previously alerted the authorities about Card’s growing paranoia and access to guns, while his escalating behavior had prompted his hospitalization in a psychiatric unit.
Law enforcement officials acknowledged the challenges posed by Maine’s yellow flag law in removing firearms from individuals deemed potentially dangerous. The commission’s revelations shed light on possible oversights during the search for Card post-shooting, causing distress and fear among community members. Family members emotionally recounted the harrowing scenes of chaos and tragedy that ensued, underscoring the profound impact of the events.
Overall, the interim report serves as a crucial tool in understanding the circumstances leading up to the tragic mass shooting, offering insights that could aid in preventing similar incidents in the future.