The independent commission’s final report on the tragic mass shootings in Lewiston, Maine, last year revealed missed opportunities by Army Reserve and law enforcement officials that could have potentially prevented the devastating events. The report, released by a commission formed by Maine Governor Janet Mills, highlighted concerns about the shooter, Robert Card, and the lack of intervention despite multiple red flags raised about his behavior.
Daniel Wathen, the commission’s chair and a retired Chief Justice of the Maine Supreme Judicial Court, emphasized during a news conference that the commission’s role was to investigate the facts surrounding the shootings, not to make recommendations. The report pointed out that while Card’s actions were his own, there were several instances where authorities could have taken steps to reduce the threat he posed to the public.
One key recommendation in the report was that police officers should have utilized Maine’s yellow flag law to seize Card’s firearms. This law allows individuals to report concerns about a gun owner’s behavior to the police, who can then take necessary actions to ensure public safety. Several people who knew Card, including his son and former wife, had raised concerns about his behavior prior to the shootings, indicating that there were warning signs that could have been addressed.
Additionally, the report highlighted the failure of Army Reserve officers to fully disclose Card’s threatening behavior to local police. Despite being aware of Card’s concerning actions, including hallucinations and aggressiveness, Army Reserve officials did not inform law enforcement about the extent of his behavior. This lack of communication potentially hindered efforts to intervene and prevent the tragic events that unfolded in Lewiston.
The report also delved into the events of the shootings in Lewiston, where Card opened fire at a bar and bowling alley, resulting in the deaths of 18 people and injuries to 13 others. The subsequent search for Card ended with his death from a gunshot wound, leaving the community in shock and mourning the loss of innocent lives.
A post-mortem analysis of Card’s brain revealed significant evidence of traumatic brain injuries, although there was no definitive diagnosis of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). The findings suggested that brain injuries may have played a role in Card’s behavioral changes leading up to the shootings, shedding light on a potential contributing factor to the tragic events.
In conclusion, the independent commission’s report on the Lewiston mass shootings highlighted critical failures by both Army Reserve and law enforcement officials to intervene and prevent the tragedy. The recommendations put forth in the report underscore the importance of proactive measures to address concerning behavior and mitigate potential threats to public safety. Moving forward, it is essential for authorities to heed warning signs and take decisive action to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.