Portland, Maine – Six months after receiving a glowing review from his superiors, Army reservist Robert Card carried out the deadliest shooting in Maine’s history, taking the lives of 18 people before turning the gun on himself. Despite concerns about his mental health from family members, Card’s personnel file showed no signs of disciplinary issues leading up to the tragic event.
In April 2023, Card, 40, was described as “a consummate professional” who excelled as a squad leader and provided exceptional mentorship to his troops. His last evaluation, shortly before reports of his erratic behavior surfaced, praised his ability to train future leaders with care and consideration for their well-being. However, six months later, Card’s actions shocked the community as he carried out a mass shooting in Lewiston.
Notably, concerns about Card’s mental health were not documented in his personnel records, even though his ex-wife and son had raised alarm bells to the police about his increasingly paranoid and angry behavior. Fellow Army reservists expressed worry and alarm about Card’s conduct, with one issuing a stark warning to his superior officer that Card was capable of committing a mass shooting.
Prior to the shooting, Card had been hospitalized in upstate New York after pushing a fellow reservist and displaying paranoid behavior. Despite these red flags, Card’s personnel record only reflected positive evaluations dating back to his enlistment in 2002. Tragically, Card’s violent outburst resulted in the loss of 18 lives, with thirteen others sustaining injuries.
In the aftermath of the shooting, an independent commission was established to investigate the events leading up to the tragedy, with several reservists scheduled to testify about their encounters with Card. Video footage captured before Card’s hospitalization revealed the concerns expressed by his peers about his behavior, shedding light on potential warning signs that went unnoticed in his official evaluations.
As the community grapples with the aftermath of the devastating shooting, questions arise about the effectiveness of mental health evaluations within the military and the importance of addressing red flags before they escalate into tragedy. The impact of Card’s actions reverberates through the community, underscoring the need for greater awareness and intervention in cases of concerning behavior.