Recent Army Reserve Report Reveals More About Lewiston Shooting

On Wednesday, October 25th, 2023, right before 7:00 PM, Robert Card opened fire at a bowling alley in Lewiston, beginning what would later become the largest mass shooting in Maine’s history. Card, who was suffering from a reported mental health crisis, went on to kill 18 individuals and injured more than 30 others that night before eventually ending his own life.

While the community is still healing from the tragedy, a recent report has been released that reveals the U.S. Army may bear some responsibility for what happened, specifically related to Card’s mental health.

Recent Developments

One of the recent reports that was released on July 23rd, reveals that since the shooting, which was committed by an Army Reservist, three Army Reserve officers have been disciplined. The chief of the Army Reserve, Lt. Gen. Jody Daniels wrote in the report that he believed that “a series of failures by unit leadership” contributed to the events that occurred back in October.

Not only does the report disclose that the Army Reserve was aware of Card’s mental health struggles, but that they had documentation of Card threatening to kill people with his rifle scope, as well as Card telling a health care provider that he had quit his job “before he ended up killing someone.” In short, this report suggests that the Army Reserve was aware of a potential issue with Card, and yet did nothing to prevent it.

What This Could Mean

While investigations are still in progress, these reports divulge critical information that could make all the difference for victims and their families still reeling from the tragedy. The report, along with the subsequent disciplinary actions taken, demonstrates that there were multiple warning signs that should have triggered the Army Reserve to take action. Although the Army has now admitted that there were communication failures in Card’s medical treatment, their delay indicates that they may not be entirely forthcoming with the reality of the situation.

Get Connected to Gideon Asen, LLC Today for Legal Support

If you or a loved one was affected by the Lewiston shootings, contact the dedicated personal injury attorneys at Gideon Asen, LLC today to get the assistance you deserve. As Maine natives, our team has been involved in this case since day one and is eager to help however we can.