Lewiston, Maine – An independent commission’s report revealed that the sheriff’s office investigating a mass shooting in Maine had the opportunity to take the killer into protective custody before the tragic event on October 25. The commission, led by esteemed members including a former chief justice of Maine’s highest court, was assembled by Democratic Gov. Janet Mills and Attorney General Aaron Frey to review the events leading up to the shooting where Army reservist Robert Card killed 18 people in a bowling alley and a bar.
The commission conducted seven sessions starting in November and heard testimony from law enforcement officers, survivors, victims’ family members, and members of the U.S. Army Reserve to determine if the tragedy could have been prevented and what changes should be implemented moving forward. Prior to the shooting, concerns were raised about Card’s behavior, deteriorating mental health, and potential for violence by his family and fellow service members.
Relatives had contacted the police in May after noticing Card’s paranoia and expressed worries about his access to firearms. In July, he was hospitalized in a psychiatric unit following an incident with a fellow reservist, and in August, the Army declared him nondeployable. Despite these warning signs, law enforcement officials explained to the commission the challenges of removing guns from individuals considered dangerous under Maine’s yellow flag law.
During the search for Card after the shooting, there were admitted missed opportunities to locate him, causing fear and panic within the community. Heartbreaking testimonies were shared by family members of the victims, recounting scenes of chaos and loss. Rachael Sloat, engaged to shooting victim Peton Berwer Ross, expressed the pain of her 2-year-old daughter asking for her daddy.
The tragic events leading up to the mass shooting highlight the complexities of mental health interventions and gun control laws. The commission’s findings shed light on the challenges faced by law enforcement in dealing with individuals exhibiting potential risks of violence. Moving forward, there is a call for increased awareness and proactive measures to prevent such devastating incidents.