Lewiston, Maine — Families of the victims from a tragic mass shooting that took place in 2023 are preparing to file a negligence lawsuit against the U.S. government. The casecenters on allegations that the military and other authorities failed to take action despite numerous warning signs presented by the shooter, Army reservist Robert Card. On October 25, 2023, Card opened fire at a bowling alley and a bar, killing 18 individuals before taking his own life, sparking a massive two-day manhunt.
The anticipated lawsuit, which will be filed in federal court, is backed by approximately 100 plaintiffs who are expected to name the Department of Defense, the U.S. Army, and Keller Army Community Hospital in New York. Attorneys representing the families contend that the Army had ample opportunities to address Card’s deteriorating mental health and potential threats he posed, yet failed to act properly.
Maine attorney Travis Brennan emphasized that the Army did not fulfill its duty to safeguard the community it pledged to protect. His colleague, Benjamin Gideon, expressed skepticism about the Army accepting accountability without being compelled through legal action. Legal notices of the impending lawsuit were served to the Army in October, stating that Card’s troubling behavior had been reported as early as May 2023 by his son, who noted significant changes in his father’s mental state.
Despite ongoing investigations, the precise motive behind Card’s actions remains uncertain. Reports indicate that he had been experiencing mental health challenges, claiming to hear voices and exhibiting paranoid behavior. In December 2023, an independent commission was established to scrutinize the circumstances surrounding the shooting, focusing on the military’s and law enforcement’s roles, as well as Card’s family background.
Investigations have revealed a number of failures in the response to Card’s condition. An internal military report underscored that procedures were not followed after Card was hospitalized in July 2023 for exhibiting psychotic symptoms. He had expressed violent thoughts and maintained a list of targets, yet his unit did not fully inform local law enforcement agencies about his threats.
Furthermore, the commission highlighted that military medical staff did not submit a crucial report that could have alerted authorities to Card’s potential dangers. The “yellow flag” law in Maine allows law enforcement to confiscate firearms from individuals deemed a threat, yet such measures were not taken despite evidence supporting the need for intervention.
Sheriff Joel Merry of Sagadahoc County confirmed that his department was informed of Card’s threats to a nearby National Guard base, leading to alerts to other law enforcement agencies. However, deputies dispatched to Card’s residence found no cause for immediate concern.
In light of these events, Card’s family has called for deeper investigations into the mental health of service members. They have also supported research initiatives regarding brain injuries among military personnel. Their efforts included establishing a nonprofit organization aimed at raising awareness about mental health issues related to service members.
The upcoming lawsuit aims not only to seek justice for the victims and their families but also to address the systemic failures that allowed such a tragedy to unfold. As the community grapples with the aftermath, the hope is that accountability will lead to necessary reforms to enhance safety and prevent future violence.