U.S. Army Reservist Conducts Deadly Shooting Rampage in Maine
LEWISTON, Maine – A shooting rampage in Maine left 18 people dead and 13 injured earlier this week. The perpetrator, identified as Robert Card, a 40-year-old U.S. Army reservist, purchased his weapons legally, according to authorities. It is believed that the attack was driven by Card’s underlying mental health issues.
Card’s body was discovered at a recycling center in Lisbon Falls, where he once worked. It appeared that he died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Law enforcement officials found several guns alongside Card’s body in a trailer that had not been previously searched.
The use of firearms in the shooting was legal, and authorities have recovered numerous weapons. The details regarding the make, model, and exact number of guns were not disclosed by Jim Ferguson, the ATF special agent in charge in Boston.
During a press conference, the State Department of Public Safety Commissioner, Michael Sauschuck, revealed that Card had a history of mental illness. It is believed that his choice of targets was influenced by paranoia, believing that people were talking about him and possibly hearing voices.
However, there is no evidence that Card had ever been involuntarily committed to a mental health facility, meaning he was still eligible to own firearms. In Maine, a person suspected of being mentally ill and posing a threat must undergo evaluation by a medical practitioner before law enforcement can petition a judge to confiscate their firearms.
Sauschuck emphasized that while this incident had a mental health connection, it is important not to stigmatize all individuals with mental health diagnoses. He stated, The vast majority of people with mental health diagnoses will never hurt anybody.
A note was found in Card’s home, not explicitly a suicide note but indicating his intent. It was intended for a loved one and included the passcode to his phone and bank account numbers.
Lewiston, a city of 37,000 people, was under lockdown for several days following the shooting. The stay-at-home order was lifted on Friday, allowing residents to resume their normal activities. Authorities found Card’s body hours later, providing a sense of relief to the community.
The shooting in Lewiston was the deadliest in the history of Maine, which typically experiences low levels of violent crime. As the community begins its healing process, Maine Governor Janet Mills expressed her relief that Card is no longer a threat to anyone.
Authorities also reported that Card underwent a mental health evaluation last summer after exhibiting erratic behavior during Army training. He mentioned hearing voices and expressing the desire to harm fellow soldiers. Card was taken to Keller Army Community Hospital in West Point, New York, for evaluation.
The Maine Educational Center for the Deaf confirmed that at least four members of their community were among the victims of the shooting.
An investigation is ongoing, with Card’s family cooperating with law enforcement. They reported that Card had recently been fixated on the bowling alley and bar, and family members were responsible for providing his name to authorities after seeing surveillance pictures of the shooter.
This tragic event underscores the importance of addressing mental health issues and implementing measures to prevent such acts of violence. The Lewiston community plans to move forward, supporting one another in the aftermath of this devastating incident.
