Lewiston, Maine — Nearly one year after Maine experienced its most devastating mass shooting, survivors and families of those who perished in the Lewiston incident are initiating legal proceedings against the federal government. On Tuesday, representatives from four law firms declared their intentions to seek justice through claims against the Department of Defense, the U.S. Army, and Keller Army Community Hospital, asserting failures in preventative action.
The group alleges that insufficient measures were taken to manage the evident psychiatric distress of the shooter, U.S. Army Reserve Sergeant Robert Card, who had expressed violent intentions prior to the tragedy. Their accusations highlight several missed opportunities to address Card’s deteriorating mental health condition, which they claim directly contributed to the fateful day when 18 individuals lost their lives and 13 others were wounded at a local bowling alley and bar on October 25, 2023.
According to the attorneys, despite being aware of Card’s exposure to firearm-related blasts during his military service and subsequent signs of mental instability, neither the Army nor the hospital took adequate steps to investigate or mitigate the potential for violence. They pointed out failures in adherence to protocols, including the non-reporting of Card under New York’s Secure Ammunition and Firearms Enforcement (SAFE) Act, which mandates reporting individuals considered a risk.
The legal action also questions the decisions made post-hospitalization when Card was deemed a significant risk but was still allowed to re-enter the community without comprehensive treatment plans. This oversight included allowing Card continued access to firearms, including the AR-10 rifle used in the shooting.
Additionally, an event where Card openly threatened violence at a military base in Saco before the massacre was purportedly minimized by military officials, who also dissuaded local law enforcement from taking forceful measures that might have prevented the massacre. Dialogue between Army leaders and local law enforcement revealed a hesitance to act decisively, something underlined by the Lewiston Commission in their final report and criticized by Maine Governor Janet Mills in her statements.
Survivors and relatives of the deceased are now seeking compensations for wrongful deaths, physical injuries, and the prolonged emotional distress caused by the tragedy through civil lawsuits. A press conference is scheduled by the attorneys for 12:30 p.m. this Tuesday to discuss these claims further and outline their legal strategy.
These proceedings underscore a critical examination of military and medical protocols in handling indications of mental illness among active service members, reflecting a growing concern about the oversight of mental health within the armed forces and its wider implications for public safety. As the legal process unfolds, it is hoped that this case will not only bring closure to the grieving families but also lead to significant changes in how potential threats are handled by military and healthcare institutions in the future.