LEWISTON, Maine – For nearly two decades, Sean Hodgson watched as his best friend descended into anger and paranoia, refusing to seek help despite being a danger to himself and others. This culminated in a tragic event on October 25, when Robert Card fatally shot 18 people at a bowling alley and a bar in Lewiston before taking his own life. Hodgson, a former roommate and fellow US Army reservist, had raised numerous red flags and warnings about Card’s deteriorating mental state leading up to the shootings.
The signs of Card’s mental decline had been well-documented, with Hodgson and Card’s family repeatedly reaching out to authorities to express concern about his access to guns and his increasingly paranoid behavior. Despite these clear warnings, authorities missed multiple opportunities to intervene and prevent the deadly shooting, a fact that Hodgson finds difficult to accept. In fact, an independent report for law enforcement labeled Hodgson as “over the top” and “alarmist,” despite his efforts to alert authorities to the imminent danger posed by Card.
Hodgson’s account, coupled with law enforcement documents and interviews, sheds light on the missteps that may have led to the tragic event. The Army Reserve, in response to inquiries about the investigation and Hodgson’s warnings, emphasized the need to await the completion of their own investigation and an independent probe by the Army inspector general before drawing any conclusions.
Over two months later, Hodgson grapples with the aftermath, expressing his frustration that Card chose to “take the easy way out” by not facing the consequences of his actions. Despite the heartbreaking turn of events, Hodgson emphasizes the love and care he had for his friend, making it clear that the person who committed the mass shooting was not the Robert Card he knew for 17 years.
The devastating impact of the deadly shooting in Lewiston, Maine, serves as a stark reminder of the importance of heeding warning signs and taking proactive measures to address mental health concerns. It also raises questions about the effectiveness of intervention strategies and the need for improved mental health support within the armed forces. It is a tragedy that has left a community in mourning and prompted a reevaluation of the systems in place to prevent such events in the future.