A military investigation discovered numerous failures that contributed to the deaths of 18 individuals in a mass shooting in Lewiston, Maine carried out by an Army reservist with deteriorating mental health. The findings, released in redacted form by the U.S. Army, resulted in disciplinary action for three officers in the chain of command of the perpetrator, Robert Card II. The reservist committed suicide after a two-day manhunt.
Lt. Gen. Jody Daniels, Army Reserve chief, stated that there were breakdowns in communication within Card’s unit. The investigation revealed troubling details leading up to the massacre, including the cancellation of a court hearing that could have led to Card’s involuntary commitment, Card’s admission to having a “hit list,” and his threatening comments about committing violence just weeks before the shooting.
The report highlighted issues surrounding Card’s hospitalization in a New York mental health facility, where professionals documented his dangerous behavior and suggested the removal of his weapons. The investigating officer criticized Four Winds Hospital for not cooperating with the investigation, which hindered the military’s ability to determine the circumstances surrounding Card’s discharge.
Several officers in Card’s chain of command were disciplined for administrative failures related to documenting his condition and hospital stay. The report also critiqued local law enforcement’s response to reported threats, noting missed opportunities to prevent the tragedy.
The Army’s investigation recommended administrative changes, retraining, and new policies to handle mental health issues for reservists. While acknowledging limited control over reservists like Card, military leaders emphasized the need for collaboration with government entities to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The findings were referred to the Defense Health Agency for further review, particularly regarding the care provided by Four Winds Hospital. The investigation did not definitively link Card’s reported brain injury to his military duties but referred the matter to medical experts for evaluation.
Card’s family disclosed a study showing brain damage, potentially related to his military service, and emphasized the importance of addressing traumatic brain injury among service members. The investigation noted a previous neck injury but deferred to experts on the connection between Card’s injuries and his mental state leading up to the shooting.
