Law enforcement in Lewiston, Maine, had a clear opportunity to prevent the devastating mass shooting that occurred last year, according to an independent commission’s findings. The Independent Commission to Investigate the Facts of the Tragedy in Lewiston discovered that authorities had sufficient evidence to take the gunman, Robert Card Jr., into custody under Maine’s Yellow Flag law, but they failed to act.
The commission’s report reveals that the Sagadahoc County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) had multiple encounters with Card and possessed all the necessary information to intervene. It was known that Card had a history of mental health issues, possessed numerous firearms, and had made threats of violence towards his superiors and others. He even went as far as threatening to carry out a mass shooting at a military armory.
Maine’s unique “yellow flag” law allows concerned individuals to report potential threats to law enforcement, who can then take the person into protective custody for a mental health evaluation. If deemed mentally unstable, their firearms and license can be confiscated. In Card’s case, several individuals close to him expressed their concerns to authorities, indicating that he was becoming increasingly dangerous.
The report acknowledges that taking Card into protective custody would have required face-to-face contact, which could have been challenging and potentially risky. However, the commission argues that the information available warranted such action, and a plan to intervene should have been executed.
Unfortunately, Card was able to carry out his deadly rampage, targeting a bowling alley and a bar, resulting in the deaths of 18 innocent people and injuring 13 others. Following a two-day manhunt, Card was found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
While the commission’s report sheds light on the failures of law enforcement in preventing this tragedy, it also highlights the ongoing need for further investigation and accountability. Additional public hearings will be conducted to gather more information and testimonies, with the aim of providing a comprehensive report and recommendations.
The victims, their families, and the people of Maine deserve answers and justice. It is imperative that all relevant parties cooperate fully with the commission’s ongoing investigation. The heartbreaking events in Lewiston serve as a grim reminder of the importance of proactive measures to identify and address potential threats, particularly when individuals exhibit clear warning signs.
As the investigation continues, it is crucial that law enforcement agencies across the country learn from this tragedy and take the necessary steps to prevent similar incidents in the future. The safety and well-being of our communities should always take precedence over bureaucratic hurdles and potential risks.
The findings of the independent commission in Lewiston should serve as a wake-up call to all levels of government. The failure to act in this case highlights the need for improved communication, coordination, and accountability within our law enforcement agencies. Lives are at stake, and we cannot afford to ignore the warning signs.
The people of Maine, as well as Americans nationwide, deserve a government that prioritizes their safety and takes decisive action to prevent tragedies like the one that unfolded in Lewiston. It is time for officials to step up, learn from their mistakes, and ensure that our communities are protected from those who pose a clear and imminent threat.
