In the quiet, picturesque communities of Sagadahoc County, Maine, a horrifying tragedy unfolded that has left a scar on the nation’s collective conscience. A US Army reservist, Robert Card, unleashed violence upon innocent lives, killing 18 people during two separate rampages at a bowling alley and a bar in Lewiston, Maine. While the devastating events of that fateful Wednesday night left a community in mourning, questions have arisen regarding what could have been done to prevent this catastrophe.
Concerns and Warnings
In a chilling revelation, information has surfaced that the US Army had been alerted to concerns about Card’s mental state and potential for violence weeks before the massacre. A fellow soldier had raised the alarm, fearing that Card would “snap and commit a mass shooting.” The soldier’s apprehensions prompted local law enforcement agencies to take action.
Sagadahoc County and Kennebec County Sheriff’s Offices promptly dispatched officers to check on Card on September 16, just under six weeks before the tragic incidents. They encountered a deeply concerning situation when Card refused to engage with them without a handgun in hand, hidden from view. The response from law enforcement further escalated when they received disturbing details from the Army and the shooter’s family.
The Army, through a letter to law enforcement, expressed its own concerns about Card’s potential for violence. It was a clear warning sign that now leaves many wondering if more should have been done to ensure the safety of the community.
Mental Health Struggles
Card’s path to violence was marked by a series of red flags. He had spent 14 days in a psychiatric hospital in July, following confrontations with fellow soldiers in New York. The hospitalization was a result of Card’s reported experience of hearing insulting voices, which had plagued him since the spring. This troubling information was attributed to the National Guard but seemingly originated from the Army itself.
A particularly concerning episode occurred near West Point when Card accused fellow soldiers of calling him a pedophile in a convenience store parking lot. This confrontation turned physical, with Card shoving one of the soldiers and making threats of violence. Afterward, he locked himself in his room and refused to respond, leading to further intervention by the military, which resulted in his psychiatric hospitalization.
After his release, Card’s problems continued. During a car ride with a soldier friend, he began discussing people calling him a pedophile, leading to another violent incident where he physically assaulted his friend. Disturbingly, he made threats of shooting up locations and people. His friend’s concerns were clear: “he is going to snap and commit a mass shooting.”
Brother’s Pledge to Secure Firearms
When local officers visited Card’s home on September 16, they discovered his mental health issues and learned about his firearms. However, they couldn’t make contact with him. Officers began reaching out to people who knew him, and his unit commander reassured them that he no longer possessed military-issued weapons. According to the commander, Card’s brother had secured his personal firearms. The commander recommended giving Card some time alone.
The following day, the officers spoke with Card’s brother, who cautioned them that Card might be armed if they attempted to contact him. The brother pledged to ensure that Card would not have access to any firearms, promising to secure them. The officers conveyed their intention to prevent harm to Card or others and offered to facilitate a mental health evaluation if needed.
Questions Unanswered
Despite these glaring warning signs and multiple attempts to address the issue, Card went on to commit unspeakable acts of violence just 38 days after the welfare check. The question remains: could more have been done to prevent this tragedy? Were there lapses in communication between law enforcement, the Army, and the National Guard? The failure to act on multiple red flags raises significant concerns.
Public Safety Commissioner Mike Sauschuck, when queried about this, chose not to respond. The state police, while the lead agency for the manhunt and homicide investigations, directed questions about prior knowledge to Sagadahoc County Sheriff Joel Merry. Merry revealed that he had issued an alert to law enforcement agencies in Maine following the threat to a military facility in Saco, but this information remains unverified.
The Maine National Guard, initially cited as the source of concern, denied any involvement in Card’s case, stating that he was not a member. Meanwhile, the US Army acknowledged the health and wellness check was prompted by concerns from Card’s unit but refrained from divulging further details due to an ongoing investigation.
The tragic events in Maine highlight the critical importance of proactive intervention when individuals exhibit warning signs of potential violence. The case of Robert Card underscores the need for better communication and coordination among law enforcement, the military, and mental health professionals. Inaction in the face of such obvious red flags is a painful lesson for all, and it raises urgent questions about the effectiveness of existing safety measures. As a nation mourns the loss of 18 lives, it is vital that we collectively reflect on how to prevent such heartbreaking events in the future.