Augusta, Maine — A tragic mass shooting in Lewiston that claimed the lives of 18 people was reportedly preceded by warnings from U.S. Army reservists who witnessed the shooter’s concerning behavior. The reservists testified before a commission investigating the killings, revealing their efforts to intervene and prevent the tragedy from unfolding.
Six weeks prior to the shooting, Robert Card’s best friend and fellow reservist, Sean Hodgson, raised alarms by contacting their supervisors and urging them to change the passcode at their Army Reserve training facility. Hodgson also advised them to arm themselves in case Card showed up, expressing fears that Card was on the verge of committing a mass shooting.
Hodgson’s concerns were not unfounded, as his warning text to superiors on Sept. 15 indicated that he believed Card was heading towards a breaking point. This message came after months of reports from Card’s relatives about his growing paranoia and their worries about his access to firearms.
Despite Card’s hospitalization in a psychiatric facility in July and the Army’s restriction on his access to weapons while on duty, authorities failed to prevent the tragic outcome. The independent commission highlighted the missed opportunities for intervention, including the failure of the Sagadahoc County sheriff’s office to utilize Maine’s “yellow flag” law to detain Card and seize his guns.
Another reservist, Daryl Reed, testified about witnessing Card’s alarming transformation from a “normal guy” who enjoyed hunting and outdoor activities to a paranoid individual who believed false accusations against him. Concerns among reservists about Card’s behavior escalated, leading to reports to superiors in an effort to address the potential danger he posed.
Hodgson, who had a close friendship with Card, shared details about his escalating worries regarding Card’s mental health, which culminated in a violent incident where Card became agitated after gambling and nearly caused a car accident. Hodgson’s efforts to alert authorities were met with skepticism, with some officials questioning his credibility.
The emotional toll of the tragedy was further emphasized by Cara Cookson, director of victim services in Maine, who described the challenges of providing support in the aftermath of the mass shooting. The Maine Resiliency Center planned a commemoration event six months after the killings to honor the victims and continue the healing process in the community.