LEWISTON, Maine – Three months before the tragic mass shooting at a bar and bowling alley in Lewiston, Maine, a disturbing encounter between the alleged shooter, Robert Card, and New York State troopers was caught on body camera footage. The footage, obtained by ABC News’ affiliate WMTW, shows Card’s Army Reserve unit members expressing concerns about his mental state and behavior, leading to his psychiatric evaluation and treatment.
According to the footage, Card’s colleagues reported that he had exhibited a significant decline in mental health, prompting his transfer to a civilian facility for treatment. They expressed concerns about his erratic behavior, including hearing voices, signs of paranoia, and an alarming incident involving a fellow Reservist. Card’s colleagues also shared their worries about his significant weight loss and unusual beliefs, such as taking a picture of his genitals and alleging that he was being called derogatory names.
Subsequent to the encounter with New York State troopers, Card would later go on to carry out the deadly mass shooting in Lewiston, Maine, which resulted in the loss of 18 lives and the injury of 13 more individuals. The newly released body camera footage has now come to light as an independent commission begins its investigation into the events leading up to the tragic shooting.
The commission has been granted subpoena power, allowing it to compel documents and witness testimony relevant to the case. This power will enable the commission to gather crucial information from individuals and entities involved in the investigation, including the US military, which has launched a separate investigation into the Army’s role leading up to the shootings.
Furthermore, the commission has received a response from the Army, indicating their willingness to allow some personnel to testify. The Army’s cooperation will be crucial in shedding light on the circumstances surrounding the tragic incident and providing answers for the victims’ families, the people of Maine, and the public at large. The Army has been invited to testify before the commission on March 7, and the extent of their cooperation remains to be seen.
As the investigation unfolds, the body camera footage and the commission’s efforts serve as key components in the quest for understanding and accountability in the wake of the devastating mass shooting in Lewiston, Maine.