Lewiston, Maine – An investigation led by a commission appointed by Governor Janet Mills has found that the Sagadahoc County Sheriff’s Office could have taken preventive action to remove firearms from a man suffering from mental illness who later committed mass shootings. The report highlighted missed opportunities to intervene before the tragic events unfolded.
The commission, chaired by retired Chief Justice Daniel E. Wathen, conducted extensive hearings and reviewed electronic records to determine the sequence of events leading up to the shootings. They concluded that while the responsibility for the actions ultimately falls on the individual, in this case, Robert Card Jr., there were multiple instances where law enforcement could have potentially altered the course of events.
During the investigative process, it was revealed that Card had a history of mental health issues, threatening behavior, and access to firearms. The commission criticized the decision of a Sagadahoc deputy to rely on Card’s family to address the situation rather than utilizing Maine’s “yellow flag” law to temporarily remove his guns. This highlighted a failure in enforcing laws designed to protect individuals in mental health crises from harming themselves or others.
Family members of the victims expressed their satisfaction with the commission’s findings but also highlighted the need for accountability and improved enforcement of existing laws. Travis Brennan, an attorney representing survivors and victims’ families, emphasized the importance of recognizing systemic failures that allowed Card to retain access to weapons despite clear warning signs.
The report also called out specific individuals within law enforcement and the military who failed to act on recommendations to restrict Card’s access to firearms. The lack of communication and coordination between agencies further underscored the need for a more comprehensive approach to preventing similar tragedies in the future.
As the community continues to heal from the devastating events, the interim report serves as a stark reminder of the importance of proactive measures in addressing mental health issues and preventing gun violence. The commission’s efforts shed light on the complexities of enforcing existing laws and the challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in identifying and responding to individuals in crisis.