LEWISTON, ME – The commission responsible for investigating the tragic mass shooting in Lewiston is set to hear testimony from members of the local police departments. This will mark the fourth meeting for the commission, which was formed in the aftermath of the shooting that claimed the lives of 18 people. The purpose of the commission is to gather facts about the shooting and the subsequent police response, including the extensive manhunt for the suspected shooter, Robert Card.

During a recent meeting, members of the Sagadahoc County Sheriff’s Office appeared before the commission to explain why they did not detain Card despite receiving warnings about his mental health and access to weapons. The sheriff and deputies defended their actions, citing limitations in Maine’s protective custody and yellow flag statutes. However, some commission members expressed skepticism about the lack of alternative options available in dealing with Card.

In addition to hearing from law enforcement, the commission has also heard testimony from family members of the shooting victims. The family members commended victim witness advocates for their support but expressed frustration with communication breakdowns, particularly for members of the Deaf community, during the night of the shooting.

The upcoming meeting will likely focus on the initial police response to the shooting. When the shooting occurred, Lewiston officers responded to the scene, but the shooter had already left. The subsequent search led police to a second shooting location at Schemengees Bar & Grille, and Card’s abandoned vehicle was later found at a Lisbon boat launch. Questions remain about the decision not to deploy a K9 unit to track the shooter from his vehicle to the nearby parking lot where his body was eventually found two days later.

Maine State Police have been relatively tight-lipped about their role in the search for Card, but they are scheduled to testify before the commission soon. The commission is also seeking to interview members of the U.S. Army about their actions or inaction in getting Card help and keeping him away from weapons after he began displaying erratic behavior. Lawmakers in Augusta are considering granting the commission limited subpoena power to compel witnesses to testify.