Army's Prior Warning Ignored: Tragic Shooting Leaves 18 Dead in Maine
New details emerge about the Army reservist responsible for the tragic Lewiston shooting: prior warnings from the Army and his family, multiple attempts by officers to check on him, and firearms found at the scene
Additional information is surfacing regarding the US Army reservist responsible for the tragic events in Lewiston, Maine last week. This includes prior alerts from both the Army and his family, as well as two instances where law enforcement attempted to monitor his behavior in the weeks leading up to the horrific acts.
In July, the Army made it known that Robert Card, a 40-year-old individual, was advised against possessing any weapons, handling ammunition, or participating in live fire exercises due to his erratic behavior. As a result, he was sent for evaluation at an Army hospital, according to Army spokesperson Lt. Col. Ruth Castro.
About two months later, in mid-September, a deputy from the Sagadahoc County Sheriffs Department was sent to check on Card twice. This action was taken because a soldier expressed concern that the reservist might "snap and commit a mass shooting." Consequently, an alert was issued to law enforcement, highlighting that Card was considered to be "armed and dangerous."
First row: Tricia Asselin, Peyton Brewer-Ross, Tommy Conrad, Michael Deslauriers II, and Bryan MacFarlane.
Second row: Arthur Strout, Joseph Walker, Joshua Seal, Maxx Hathaway, and Ron Morin.
Third row: Bill Young, Aaron Young, Stephen Vozzella, Bob Violette, William Bracket, Jason Adam Walker, Keith D. Macneir, and Lucille M. Violette.
The given names represent individuals associated with the Maine Department of Public Safety.
Less than six weeks prior to the tragic events in Lewiston on Wednesday evening, the shooter, Card, initiated the horrifying incident at Just-in-Time Recreation bowling alley and subsequently targeted Schemengees Bar & Grille approximately 4 miles away, as confirmed by authorities.
The incident, considered to be the deadliest mass shooting in the United States this year, was accompanied by a 48-hour manhunt, ultimately concluding with authorities discovering Card dead inside a recycling facility box trailer. He had reportedly taken his own life with a gunshot wound. The circumstances surrounding the attack and the reasons for targeting those specific locations are still unknown. However, growing revelations about previous warnings concerning Card are now prompting inquiries into the authorities' response to these warning signs and his possession of firearms.
"The weeks to come will entail a crucial aspect of our response which involves comprehending the precise events and pondering upon the necessary modifications required to safeguard the well-being of the citizens of Maine," mentioned Maine Governor Janet Mills on Monday.
The occurrence of the mass shooting has profoundly disrupted the daily lives of individuals residing in Lewiston and neighboring communities, instilling a sense of fear in the region and causing irreparable damage to families.
The 18 victims, whose ages spanned from 14 to 76, comprised a boy who was enjoying a game of bowling with his father, participants in a cornhole tournament specifically designed for individuals with hearing impairment, and multiple fathers who sadly leave behind young children.
A mourner attends a candlelight vigil for the victims of this week's mass shootings on October 28, 2023, in Lisbon Falls, Maine.
Robert F. Bukaty/AP
Family contacts officials about gunman
On May 3, Cards' family reached out to the Sagadahoc County Sheriffs Office, expressing their worries about his welfare and informing them about his possession of firearms, according to records.
According to documents shared by the sheriff's office, the 18-year-old son of Cards informed a deputy that his father began asserting in January that individuals were making derogatory remarks about him in public. The document also reveals that the ex-wife informed the deputy that Card had acquired a collection of 10-15 handguns and rifles from his brother's residence.
According to the documents, the ex-wife and son expressed their intention to distance themselves from Card. Following the conversation with the family, the deputy contacted the representatives of the 3rd Battalion 304 Training Group and linked them with Card's family. The sheriffs department stated that the family assured the office of their commitment to ensuring Card receives the necessary medical attention.
Deputies sent to gunmans home weeks before shootings
In September, an Army Reserve unit in Saco reached out to the sheriffs office in an email to ask for a wellness check on Card.
According to a letter shared by the sheriffs office, the email recounts an incident that occurred on July 15 in West Point. It states that Card, who was accompanied by some soldiers, alleged that the three soldiers had referred to him as a pedophile. In response, Card reportedly pushed one of the soldiers and made a statement indicating that he would handle the situation. The letter also mentions that Card was subsequently admitted to a psychiatric hospital for a period of two weeks before being discharged.
Another incident occurred when Card and a soldier were driving home from a casino. During the ride, Card brought up the topic of people accusing him of being a pedophile, as expressed in a statement made to the Sagadahoc County Sheriff's Office.
"When his friend cautioned him against discussing acts of violence and potential harm, he responded by physically assaulting him," the statement mentioned. "As per the friend's account, he claimed to possess firearms and expressed intentions of targeting the drill center at Saco along with other locations... The friend expressed apprehension that he might reach a breaking point and carry out a mass shooting."
In Bowdoin, Maine, on October 26, law enforcement officials are seen gathering on the road towards the residence of the suspect linked to two mass shootings. The suspect, Robert Card, a 40-year-old U.S. Army Reservist, is being sought for the shooting deaths of 18 individuals at a bowling alley and a bar in Lewiston the previous night. This violent spree also resulted in at least 13 people being wounded. The photograph captures the scene and is credited to Joe Raedle/Getty Images.
Police were dispatched to the residence of the Maine gunman weeks prior to the massacres due to apprehensions about his potential for sudden violence and carrying out a mass shooting. Saco Police Chief Jack Clements stated that the security threat to the military facility in Saco resulted in additional patrols; however, the reservist in question ultimately did not appear.
The health and wellness check was carried out as a precautionary measure by the shooter's unit, prompted by concerns for his safety, according to a statement by the US Army to CNN.
"The Army considers all allegations to be of utmost importance. As an ongoing Army investigation is underway, we are unable to provide any additional information at this time," stated Castro, the Army spokesperson, in an email.
A deputy from the Sagadahoc County Sheriffs Office visited Cards home on September 15 and September 16, but did not find him, according to the sheriffs department. Concerned about his whereabouts, a File 6 alert was sent to other law enforcement agencies, stating that Card is believed to be armed and dangerous. The issuance of File 6 alerts is a routine practice by law enforcement to track down individuals.
"Robert, a firearms instructor, has been experiencing psychotic episodes and auditory hallucinations," warns the law enforcement alert. "He has made threatening remarks regarding a potential attack on the National Guard armory in Saco. Although he was briefly institutionalized during the summer due to his deteriorated mental health condition, he was subsequently released... It is advised to exercise extreme caution if he is found."
The File 6 alert was revoked on October 18, just a week prior to the occurrence of the mass shootings.
Law enforcement authorities have confirmed that Card, a licensed firearms instructor, possesses substantial expertise in areas such as land navigation and firearms training.
According to the sheriff's office, the Sagadahoc County deputy later engaged in a conversation with Card's unit commander, who stated that Mr. Card is no longer in possession of any weapons from the reserve unit.
A woman is hugged by a man at a reunification center at Auburn Middle School, in Auburn, Maine, after shootings in Lewiston on Wednesday, October 25, 2023.
Derek Davis/AP
Heres a timeline of the mass shooting in Maine and the hunt for the suspect
According to the sheriffs office, the commander stated that they were attempting to arrange treatment for Card and believed it would be beneficial for Card to have some personal time. The following day, on September 17, the deputy interviewed Card's brother, who assured that he would take measures to secure any firearms accessible to Mr. Card.
"We are confident that our agency acted in accordance with appropriate procedures while conducting an attempt to locate and wellness check," stated Sagadahoc County Sheriff Joel Merry on Monday.
Merry further announced that his office will conduct a thorough assessment of their policies and procedures concerning wellness checks. The aim is to identify any areas that need improvement, prioritizing public safety without compromising individual rights.
Maine Commissioner of Public Safety Mike Sauschuck speaks during a news conference in Lewiston on Saturday.
Matt Rourke/AP
Authorities detail firearms found with Card
According to multiple law enforcement sources, investigators believe that the firearm used by Card during the shooting spree was purchased legally in mid-July, shortly before he was hospitalized for a psychiatric evaluation. Sources state that the weapon found inside Card's 2013 white Subaru Outback seems to be the one used in the attack at the bowling alley and local bar, but a ballistics match has yet to be confirmed.
Authorities discovered the lifeless body of Card on Friday evening, alongside a Smith & Wesson M&P .40 caliber handgun and a Smith & Wesson M&P 15 rifle, as stated in a news release issued by the Maine Department of Public Safety. The release mentions that further forensic and ballistic examinations are required to be carried out on these firearms.
People attend a Sunday vigil for the victims of Wednesday's mass shootings in Lewiston, Maine.
Matt Rourke/AP
Days after a mass shooting rocked Maine, weekend shootings in multiple cities left at least 12 people dead and dozens wounded
Sauschuck stated that "while there is a mental health aspect involved, it does not automatically disqualify Card from purchasing a firearm." He added that the gun laws in Maine do not explicitly forbid individuals with a mental health diagnosis or undergoing treatment from buying guns.
According to the information I've gathered from conversations this morning, it has been conveyed to me that we do not have access to any information regarding Mr. Card's involuntary commitment for treatment," Sauschuck stated on Saturday.
Unless a court has mandated Mr. Card to undergo mental health treatment, it is unlikely that his name would be flagged during a firearms purchase. "If that were not the case," Sauschuck explained, "the background check would not alert that this individual is prohibited."
CNNs Mark Morales, Linh Tran, Sara Smart and Andy Rose contributed to this report.
