Two senators from Maine, Republican Susan Collins and independent Angus King, have called on the U.S. Army inspector general to conduct a thorough investigation into the interactions with a reservist before he carried out a mass shooting, resulting in the death of 18 people and injuries to 13 others. In a letter addressed to Lt. Gen. Donna W. Martin, the senators emphasized the importance of understanding what transpired at the federal level, including the Army, prior to the tragic incident that took place at a bowling alley and bar in Lewiston.
Prior to the shooting, fellow soldiers had expressed concerns about the mental health of the shooter, Robert Card. Law enforcement revealed that one soldier had sent a text message in September expressing a belief that Card was capable of committing a mass shooting. This information highlights the need to investigate the actions taken, or lack thereof, by the Army and other federal agencies regarding Card’s mental health.
The senators’ request for an investigation complements the independent commission initiated by Democratic Governor Janet Mills to examine the facts surrounding the shooting, including the response of law enforcement. Collins and King believe it is crucial to fully comprehend the sequence of events and explore any potential preventive measures that could have been implemented at the local, state, and federal levels.
Among the questions posed by the senators in their letter is the inquiry into the circumstances under which the Army reports personnel to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System. They also seek clarification on when the Army utilizes state laws to temporarily confiscate firearms from a soldier’s possession.
An Army spokesperson confirmed the receipt of the letter and assured that the inspector general’s office will work towards providing a response. However, no further comments were made by the spokesperson.
Concerns about Card’s mental health had arisen during his military training, leading to a two-week hospitalization at the Four Winds Psychiatric Hospital in New York last summer. Worries persisted even after his return to Maine. In September, local authorities visited Card’s home for a wellness check, but he did not respond to their presence. The events following the wellness check remain unclear. The sheriff’s office canceled their alert seeking assistance in locating Card a week before the tragic shootings occurred.
The investigation into this horrific incident aims to shed light on the potential failures within the system that could have prevented such a tragedy. With the cooperation of federal and state authorities, it is hoped that a comprehensive understanding of the events leading up to the shooting will be achieved, allowing for necessary measures to be implemented to prevent similar incidents in the future.
