The U.S. Army has announced an investigation into a mass shooting that occurred in Lewiston, Maine, in October. The shooter, Robert Card, a former Army reservist, killed 18 people in the tragic incident. In response to the incident, the Secretary of the Army has requested the Army Inspector General to conduct an independent investigation to ensure appropriate actions are taken.
The Army Inspector General has already begun preparations for the investigation, which will formally commence upon the completion of the ongoing U.S. Army Reserve investigation or by February 1st, 2024. This move comes after Maine Senators Susan Collins and Angus King, along with the state’s congressional delegation, demanded a review of the events leading up to the shooting.
The announcement of the investigation has been met with positive reactions from the congressional delegation, who stated their satisfaction with the Army Inspector General’s response. They expressed their relief that an independent investigation will be conducted into the events preceding the tragedy.
The shooting took place at Schemengees Bar and Grille and the Just-In-Time Recreation bowling alley, leaving 18 people dead and 13 injured. The shooter, Robert Card, was found dead with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound near a recycling plant where he had worked in the past. Card was a trained firearms instructor and had previously reported mental health issues.
The investigation aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the circumstances surrounding the shooting and to identify any necessary corrective actions. This incident highlights the importance of addressing mental health concerns and implementing effective prevention measures to prevent such tragedies in the future.
