US Army Reservist Under Watch: Unheeded Warnings and Two Failed Wellness Checks Preceded Maine Mass Shooting

New details have emerged regarding the US Army reservist responsible for the mass shooting in Lewiston, Maine. The Army had previously issued warnings about Robert Card, 40, including a restriction on his access to weapons and ammunition due to his erratic behavior and evaluation at an Army hospital. Additionally, law enforcement had attempted to check on Card twice in September after concerns were raised about his potential to commit a mass shooting. An alert was sent out warning that Card was armed and dangerous. The shooting took place on Wednesday evening at a bowling alley and bar, leaving 18 people dead and 13 others injured. Card was found dead with a self-inflicted gunshot wound after a 48-hour manhunt. The incident has raised questions about how authorities handled the warning signs and Card’s access to firearms. The victims ranged in age from 14 to 76 and included individuals participating in a cornhole tournament and fathers with young children. Card’s family had reached out to the Sagadahoc County Sheriff’s Office earlier in the year expressing concern for his well-being and mentioning his access to firearms. The Army also requested a wellness check on Card in September. The Sheriff’s Office sent out an alert to law enforcement agencies describing Card as armed and dangerous and suffering from psychotic episodes and hearing voices. However, the alert was canceled a week before the shooting. An investigation revealed that the firearm used by Card was legally purchased in mid-July. Further confirmation is needed to determine if the weapon found on Card’s body was the same one used in the shooting. Card was found with a Smith & Wesson M&P .40 caliber handgun and a Smith & Wesson M&P 15 rifle. The incident has prompted a reevaluation of wellness check procedures by the Sagadahoc County Sheriff’s Office.