Lewiston Shootings: New Report Details Failures to Stop Gunman
Comprehensive Report Reveals Missed Opportunities
In Lewiston, Maine, a state commission has recently released a damning report on last year’s worst mass shootings at a local bar and bowling alley, detailing a series of failures by the Army Reserve and local law enforcement to intervene. These oversights allegedly enabled a military reservist diagnosed with psychosis to continue amassing guns and making threats of violence.
The report thoroughly explores the events leading up to the tragic incident on October 25, during which reservist Robert R. Card II fatally shot 18 people and wounded more than a dozen at a local bowling alley and bar. Those involved are guilty of serious oversights that exacerbated an already dangerous situation.
A Cascade of Failures
According to the 215-page report, local law enforcement failed to confront Card despite receiving warnings from his family regarding his paranoia, weapon collection, and violent threats. In addition, a New York hospital mistakenly released him last summer, believing that the Army Reserve had petitioned to seize his guns. Furthermore, the military failed to share crucial information about Card’s hostile behavior and threats with local law enforcement or ensure he received adequate mental health treatment.
The commission’s report serves as a retrospective analysis rather than a directive for future actions. Any accountability and legal changes will likely be discussed through impending lawsuits, the details of which remain to be seen.
Legal Action Pending
Following the publication of the report, attorneys, representing survivors and victims’ families, declared their intentions to pursue real accountability via lawsuits in the coming months. While the commission’s mandate was to present a detailed timeline and facts, future implications will be determined by politicians and court decisions.
Military Response
The commission’s report is especially critical of the Army Reserve, accusing it of failing to take necessary steps to reduce the threat Card posed to the public. In response to these accusations, the Army has claimed they are committed to reviewing the findings and implementing changes to prevent such tragic outcomes in the future. The Army also stated that an internal investigation led to the discipline of three officers in Card’s chain of command and changes to operating procedures to involve commanding officers when soldiers are noncompliant with mental health treatment.
Remembering the Victims
As the first anniversary of the shooting approaches, Lewiston continues to remember the victims with various memorials. The bowling alley has since reopened, but memories of the tragic incident linger. The surrounding community, particularly victims’ families, are strongly advocating for systemic changes to prevent such heartrending incidents in the future. Their calls for accountability and action resonate within the city and beyond, emphasizing the urgency for substantive changes to create a safer community.
