Maine Shooting Suspect's Disturbing Inner Thoughts and Auditory Hallucinations

The suspect involved in the Maine mass shooting reportedly began expressing that he was hearing voices and had intentions to harm his fellow soldiers while stationed at a military base during the summer. Law enforcement officials informed CNN that he was subsequently hospitalized for a few weeks. However, a family member of the suspect and two former colleagues from the Army Reserve, when interviewed by CNN, claimed to have no knowledge of any prior mental health problems he may have had. One of the former colleagues did mention that he was an exceptional marksman and outdoorsman, ranking among the top shooters in their unit.

Robert R. Card II, the individual being sought by the police in relation to the tragic shooting incident in Lewiston, Maine, made concerning remarks during his time at the Camp Smith training facility in New York, according to law enforcement authorities. Following these statements, his superiors referred him to a military hospital, where he underwent a evaluation period lasting several weeks. Additionally, it had been disclosed to CNN by law enforcement officials that the 40-year-old Card had previously made threats to carry out a shooting at a National Guard base in Maine.

Card's sister-in-law, Katie ONeill, stated during a brief conversation with CNN on Thursday that Card does not have a lengthy background of mental health challenges. "This incident was an acute episode. It does not define his true character," ONeill clarified. "He has not experienced lifelong mental health issues or anything of that nature."

Law enforcement sources have confirmed that, aside from an incident in 2007 where he was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence, the suspect has no previous encounters with the ATF or FBI. The sources also revealed that he lawfully owns multiple firearms and resides on a vast property spanning hundreds of acres in Maine.

Records obtained from the Army indicate that Card, who serves in the Army Reserve, holds the position of a petroleum supply specialist. He initially enlisted in 2002 and as per the available records, he has not been deployed to any combat zones.

Police activity near the scene of a reported shooting in Lewiston, Maine, on Wednesday, October 25.

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Manhunt underway after Maine shooting rampage

Clifford Steeves from Massachusetts, who served in the Army Reserve alongside Card from the early 2000s until about ten years ago, affirmed to CNN that he was familiar with Card. Steeves stated that he never observed any alarming conduct from Card during their time together. According to Steeves, Card was a genuinely pleasant individual, displaying a calm demeanor, and never abusing his power or mistreating fellow soldiers. Steeves expressed his deep frustration and distress over the situation.

Steeves mentioned that they both served in various locations across the country, such as Wisconsin, Georgia, and New York. He expressed a sense of growing up together with Card, as they joined the Army as young individuals and underwent training side by side.

Steeves noted that within the Army's environment where aggressive leadership prevailed, Card stood out for his rationality and empathy. He led by earning respect rather than instilling fear.

Steeves stated that Card did not have any combat experience but received thorough training, including firearms and land navigation, making him highly proficient in outdoor settings. He further praised Card as a skilled marksman, ranking among the top shooters in his unit.

Similarly, another Army Reserve member who served alongside Card spoke of him as a kind individual who never had conflicts with others. This servicemember, requesting anonymity due to the delicacy of the situation, could not recall any instances of Card exhibiting violent behavior.

Card attended the University of Maine from 2001 to 2004, studying engineering technology. However, he did not complete his degree, according to Eric Gordon, a spokesperson for the university, as reported by CNN. Public records indicate that Card has addresses in Bowdoin, Maine, a town close to Lewiston. Additionally, information from a local news article and a Facebook photo reveal that Card may have been a member of a horseshoe-throwing club in the nearby town of Lisbon, Maine, as he can be seen wearing a t-shirt with the club's logo.

The social media platform X had an account with the name "Cards" and a photo that resembled him, but it has since been deactivated. Notably, the account had a track record of endorsing right-wing and Republican political content.

After WNBA player Brittney Griner was released from Russian custody through a prisoner exchange involving a convicted arms dealer, the account made its sole tweet. In response to a CNBC article covering the incident, the account sarcastically remarked, "Commendable effort, exchanging a mass murderer for a WNBA player. Keep up the excellent work," seemingly aimed at President Joe Biden.

The account has liked a tweet this year from conservative writer and filmmaker Dinesh DSouza, expressing opposition to a ban on assault weapons. It has also shown interest in tweets shared by prominent political figures such as Donald Trump Jr. and Tucker Carlson. The details of this developing story will be updated.

CNNs John Miller contributed to this report.