LEWISTON, Maine – Sean Hodgson, a former U.S. Army reservist, found himself facing a difficult decision when his best friend, Robert Card, began exhibiting signs of increasing anger and paranoia. Despite their close bond of nearly two decades, Hodgson felt compelled to reach out to their Army supervisor in fear of what Card might do. Tragically, six weeks later, Card carried out a fatal shooting that claimed the lives of 18 people at a bowling alley and a bar in Lewiston before taking his own life, leaving the community in shock and grief.
Hodgson’s decision to raise the alarm about Card’s behavior was based on a series of warning signs that had been well-documented in the months leading up to the shooting. Multiple accounts of paranoia, access to guns, and aggressive behavior had been reported to authorities and even resulted in Card’s hospitalization in a psychiatric unit. Nevertheless, the response to these warning signs and the attempts to intervene have been questioned in the aftermath of the tragedy.
In a comprehensive account of the events leading up to the shooting, Hodgson shared his perspective on the missed opportunities to prevent the devastating outcome, highlighting the difficulty of reporting someone he cared for deeply. Despite facing personal challenges and criticism in the aftermath of the event, Hodgson maintains that he did everything in his power to prevent the tragedy.
The Army Reserve’s response to Hodgson’s warning and the subsequent handling of the situation have come under scrutiny. Questions surrounding the decision-making process and the potential missteps leading up to the attack have sparked conversations about the need for policy changes and improved intervention protocols in similar situations.
As the community continues to grapple with the aftermath of the shooting, Hodgson’s account sheds light on the complexities of navigating the delicate balance between personal relationships and a duty to ensure public safety. The devastating impact of the events serves as a sobering reminder of the profound consequences of missed opportunities to intervene and prevent violence.
In retrospect, the sequence of events leading up to the shooting has raised important questions about the handling of warning signs and the effectiveness of intervention protocols. As authorities continue their investigations and reviews into the circumstances surrounding the tragedy, the community seeks answers and reassurances that steps will be taken to prevent similar incidents in the future.