An independent commission investigating the tragic events in Lewiston involving Maine mass shooter Robert Card has concluded that both the Army Reserve and Sagadahoc County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) share blame for not recognizing problematic behavior exhibited by Card. The commission's final report highlighted failures by the police in not confiscating the gunman’s weapons and by the Army Reserve in not providing adequate care for Card.
The commission, established by Gov. Janet Mills, revealed its findings at Lewiston City Hall, near the locations where the shootings occurred on October 25, 2023, resulting in the death of 18 individuals and injuring 13 others. Commission chair Dan Wathen emphasized that there were missed opportunities that could have altered the tragic outcome.
The Army Reserve was criticized for neglecting to address Card's escalating behavior despite being aware of his auditory hallucinations, aggressive tendencies, and collection of firearms. The Army Reserve Command conducted its investigation, acknowledging leadership failures and taking administrative action against three officers in Card’s chain of command for dereliction of duty.
Furthermore, the commission pointed out that the SCSO had grounds to take Card into protective custody under Maine’s yellow flag law in September 2023 but failed to act. The report recommends a comprehensive review by the Maine State Police to enhance policing protocols and policies.
Card was later found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound at a recycling plant in Libson Falls, Maine. Subsequently, Maine implemented new gun laws, including a three-day waiting period for gun purchases, in response to the tragedy.
Legal representative Ben Gideon highlighted the dangerous combination of mental illness and gun ownership in this incident, emphasizing the need for stricter regulations to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
