Lewiston, Maine – An independent commission found that law enforcement authorities in Sagadahoc County had sufficient cause to seize the guns of U.S. Army reservist Robert Card before he carried out a mass shooting that resulted in the deaths of 18 individuals in Lewiston, Maine. The seven-member panel, appointed by Maine’s governor and attorney general, determined that the Sheriff’s Office failed to act under the state’s Yellow Flag law, missing crucial opportunities to prevent the tragedy that unfolded.
While Card was deemed the sole perpetrator of the massacre, the commission’s 29-page report highlighted multiple instances where authorities could have intervened to alter the course of events. Despite warnings from Card’s family about his declining mental health and his access to firearms, the Sheriff’s Office did not take appropriate action. One soldier who knew Card even expressed concerns to superiors that he was capable of committing a mass shooting.
The shooting, which took place on October 25 at a bar and a bowling alley, marked the deadliest episode of gun violence in Maine. Card, who took his own life two days after the rampage, had a history of mental illness, previous hospitalizations, and violent behavior. The Army Reserve unit to which he was assigned had also raised concerns about his well-being, requesting a “wellness check” on him just a month before the tragedy unfolded.
Despite having ample evidence of Card’s potential for serious harm, the Sheriff’s Office failed to take appropriate action, placing the burden on Card’s family to address the situation. The commission criticized the agency for neglecting its duty to protect the community and ensure public safety. In the wake of the shooting, questions were raised about the effectiveness of existing laws and protocols for handling individuals with mental health issues and access to firearms.
Sheriff’s officials defended their response to the warning signs about Card’s mental health, citing limitations on their ability to intervene without clear evidence of criminal behavior. However, the commission’s findings underscored the importance of proactive measures to prevent such tragic events in the future. The Army’s prior actions, including Card’s commitment to a mental health hospital and restrictions on his access to firearms, also raised questions about the oversight of individuals in positions of authority within the military.