The state of Maine was left reeling after two deadly shootings in Lewiston claimed the lives of at least 18 people, shocking the community and prompting an independent commission to investigate the tragic events. The commission, made up of attorneys, prosecutors, a forensic psychologist, and a psychiatrist, released its final report on the October 2023 mass shootings, shedding light on missed opportunities that could have potentially prevented the devastating loss of life.
According to the commission’s findings, Army Reserve and law enforcement officials failed to take necessary steps to intervene despite several red flags regarding the shooter, Robert Card. While acknowledging that Card’s actions were his own, the report highlighted that his Army reserve unit and local law enforcement missed crucial opportunities to address concerns about his behavior, ultimately failing to reduce the threat he posed to the public.
One key aspect highlighted in the report was the failure of police officers to enact Maine’s yellow flag law prior to the shootings. The yellow flag law allows individuals to report concerns about a gun owner’s behavior, prompting law enforcement to assess the situation and potentially seize firearms if deemed necessary. In the case of Robert Card, several people, including his son and former wife, had raised alarms about his behavior, indicating that police officers had probable cause to intervene under the yellow flag law but did not take action.
Additionally, the report pointed out that Army Reserve officers were aware of Card’s troubling behavior, such as hallucinations, aggressiveness, and ominous comments, yet failed to fully disclose this information to local police. Despite recommendations from Card’s mental health providers to remove weapons from his home, Army Reserve officials did not take decisive action, potentially missing an opportunity to prevent the tragic outcome.
During a press conference at Lewiston’s city hall, the independent commission released its 215-page final report, detailing the findings of their nine-month investigation. Daniel Wathen, the commission’s chair and a retired Chief Justice of the Maine Supreme Judicial Court, emphasized that their role was to investigate the facts of the shootings, not to make recommendations. He also noted the difficulty of determining whether the shootings could have been prevented with proper intervention.
The report’s revelations shed light on the systemic failures that contributed to the Lewiston mass shootings, underscoring the importance of proactive measures to address concerning behaviors and prevent future tragedies. As the community continues to grapple with the aftermath of the devastating events, the findings of the commission serve as a stark reminder of the need for improved communication and collaboration between law enforcement, mental health providers, and other relevant stakeholders to ensure public safety and prevent similar incidents in the future.