Concerns Raised About Reservist Who Went on Shooting Rampage in Maine
The Maine National Guard requested local police to check on a reservist who later killed 18 people in a mass shooting, according to CNN. Officers from the Sagadahoc County and Kennebec County Sheriff’s Offices responded to the request, but were unable to make contact with the man less than six weeks before the tragic events unfolded. The Sagadahoc County sergeant who handled the welfare check reported that the reservist would often answer the door with a handgun in hand, out of view from the person outside. The National Guard and the shooter’s family later provided disturbing details about his intentions.
The shooter, Robert Card, went on two shooting rampages in Lewiston, Maine, killing 18 people at Just-in-Time Recreation and Schemengees Bar & Grille. After 48 hours of fear and lockdown, Card was found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, about 10 miles away from the crime scenes. The lack of follow-through by authorities and concerns about the shooter’s mental health prior to the shooting are now being raised. Questions have been asked about why there was no action taken with regard to Card’s access to weapons, especially considering Maine’s “yellow flag” law, which allows for the assessment and temporary removal of firearms from individuals deemed dangerous. The case related to Card’s welfare check appeared to have been closed before the mass shootings occurred.
CNN’s attempts to gather information from law enforcement agencies in Maine, including the State Public Safety Commissioner and Sagadahoc County Sheriff Joel Merry, have been met with reluctance. The shooter’s family and the Maine National Guard have also not provided any comments regarding the incidents. Details obtained from the Sagadahoc County Sheriff’s Office indicate Card’s struggle with mental health, as he had spent 14 days at a psychiatric hospital in July. The National Guard had reported that Card had been hearing insulting voices and had shown signs of aggravated behavior. A prior incident involving Card and his fellow soldiers in New York had led to a psychological evaluation and subsequent hospital stay. Even after his release, there were further incidents that warranted concern, including threats to shoot up locations and people. Extra patrols were deployed to a National Guard facility in Saco following these threats.
The Sagadahoc and Kennebec officers deployed to Card’s home on September 16 were unable to make contact with him, but learned of his mental health problems and the fact that he owned firearms. The shooter’s brother assured law enforcement that he would secure Card’s personal weapons to ensure he didn’t have access to them. The police offered assistance with a mental health evaluation if necessary. However, these efforts were not enough to prevent the tragic events that occurred a few weeks later.
