Maine Mass Shooting: Police Response Reviewed, Questions Remain

In the month leading up to Robert Card's deadly rampage in Lewiston, Maine, local police received reports about his psychological decline and concerns that he might commit a mass shooting. A police dashcam recording reveals that Card's Army Reserve unit company commander advised taking the concerns "very seriously" but also "with a grain of salt." The commander mentioned that Card had been institutionalized for two weeks in July and had a history of anger and self-isolation. The Reserve captain stated that Card had not made specific threats but expressed anger towards certain individuals. Despite warnings from Card's family, fellow soldiers, and community members, law enforcement officers were unable to remove his weapons due to medical privacy rules and Card's residence in New Hampshire. On October 25, Card opened fire at a bar and a bowling alley, killing 18 people before taking his own life. The U.S. Army Inspector General will conduct an independent investigation into the events leading up to the mass shooting.