U.S. Army Reserve, Family Raised Alarm About Maine Shooter Weeks Before Attack
The U.S. Army Reserve and the family of the Maine shooter raised alarm about him weeks before the attack, but he was not able to be prevented from obtaining a firearm.
On October 25, 2023, Robert R. Card, a 40-year-old Army Reserve sergeant, shot and killed 18 people at a bar and bowling alley in Lewiston, Maine. It was the 10th deadliest mass shooting in U.S. history.
Five months before the attack, Card’s family contacted the Sagadahoc County Sheriff’s Office to say that they were concerned about his deteriorating mental health and that he had access to at least 10 guns. In September, Card’s Army Reserve unit also contacted the sheriff’s office to request a “wellness check” on Card, saying that he had reported “hearing voices” and had threatened to “shoot up” the drill center and other places.
The sheriff’s office investigated both reports, but was unable to find any evidence that Card was a danger to himself or others. Card did not have any prior criminal record and had not been diagnosed with any mental health conditions.
After the shooting, Card’s family and the Army Reserve are facing questions about why they were unable to prevent the attack. Some experts say that the red flags raised about Card’s behavior should have been enough to prevent him from obtaining a firearm. Others say that the mental health system needs to be improved so that people like Card can get the help they need before they commit violence.
The shooting is a reminder of the challenges of preventing mass shootings. There is no easy solution, but it is important to learn from every attack and to take steps to prevent future tragedies.
What Can Be Done to Prevent Mass Shootings?
There are a number of things that can be done to prevent mass shootings, including:
- Red flag laws: Red flag laws allow law enforcement to temporarily remove firearms from people who are deemed to be a danger to themselves or others.
- Universal background checks: Universal background checks would require all gun buyers to undergo a background check, regardless of where they purchase the gun.
- Mental health reform: Improving access to mental health care and reducing the stigma associated with mental illness could help to prevent people from committing violence.
It is important to note that there is no single solution to the problem of mass shootings. A combination of approaches is needed to address the issue.
