An Army reservist, Sean Hodgson, who foresaw the tragic events leading to Maine's deadliest mass shooting, is set to testify before the commission investigating the incident. Six weeks prior to the shooting that claimed 18 lives at a bar and bowling alley in Lewiston, Hodgson alerted their supervisors about the potential danger posed by his friend and fellow reservist, Robert Card.
Hodgson's text message on September 15 urged authorities to change the gate passcode at their Army Reserve training facility and be prepared to defend themselves if Card appeared, expressing his belief that Card was on the verge of committing a mass shooting. This warning came after earlier concerns raised by Card's relatives about his paranoid behavior and access to firearms.
The failure of authorities to confiscate Card's weapons in the weeks leading up to the tragedy has sparked a thorough investigation in the state. Despite Card's hospitalization in a psychiatric facility and the Army's restriction on his access to weapons while on duty, law enforcement did not take decisive action. Card was later found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
An interim report by the independent commission appointed by Gov. Jane Mills highlighted the missed opportunities by law enforcement to intervene under Maine's 'yellow flag' law and criticized the lack of follow-up on Hodgson's warning text. The commission is scheduled to hear testimony from the state's director of victim witness services, with Hodgson expected to provide crucial insights into the events leading up to the tragedy.
Hodgson revealed in interviews that he and Card had developed a close friendship since meeting in the Army Reserve in 2006. Concerned about Card's mental state, Hodgson had alerted authorities following a disturbing incident involving Card's erratic behavior. Despite facing skepticism from some officials, Hodgson emphasized the importance of taking such warnings seriously, especially when concerning the safety of others.
The tragic mass shooting in Maine has prompted the implementation of new gun safety laws in the state, underscoring the critical need for proactive measures to prevent such devastating events in the future.
