Lewiston, Maine – A commission appointed by Governor Janet Mills recently released a report highlighting missed opportunities by the Sagadahoc Sheriff’s Office in preventing a tragic mass shooting in Lewiston. The investigation found that the Sheriff’s Office could have utilized Maine’s “yellow flag” law to temporarily remove firearms from a man suffering from mental illness who ultimately carried out the deadly attack.
The commission, led by a retired chief justice of the Maine Supreme Judicial Court, held extensive public hearings and reviewed electronic records to uncover the events leading up to the shooting. Despite acknowledging that the individual, Robert Card Jr., was ultimately responsible for his actions, the commission emphasized that various interventions could have altered the course of events.
Family members and fellow reservists had expressed concerns about Card’s mental health and access to firearms in the months before the shooting, but law enforcement failed to take decisive action. The report revealed that multiple opportunities were missed to intervene, including a failure to initiate the yellow flag process to remove Card’s guns.
The commission criticized the Sagadahoc County Sheriff’s Office for not taking appropriate action, particularly singling out a specific officer who failed to recognize the need to utilize the yellow flag law. Additionally, a captain in Card’s Army unit was faulted for not sharing crucial information that could have prevented the tragedy.
Despite recommendations from mental health professionals to restrict Card’s access to firearms, crucial information was not relayed to local law enforcement, further highlighting the systemic failures that contributed to the devastating outcome. The interim report has raised concerns about the effectiveness of Maine’s current yellow flag law and the discretion vested in law enforcement officers.
Survivors and victims’ families expressed their disappointment with the findings, noting that the mistakes identified in the report had led to the loss of lives and irreparable damage. The community continues to grapple with the aftermath of the shooting, with individuals like Leroy Walker Sr. reflecting on the ongoing pain and grief caused by this senseless act of violence.
As investigations continue and further reports are awaited, the spotlight remains on the need for improved protocols and collaboration among law enforcement agencies to prevent future tragedies. The commission’s findings serve as a stark reminder of the critical importance of proactive measures in addressing mental health crises and reducing access to firearms in high-risk situations.