Lewiston, Maine – Three months before the deadliest mass shooting in Maine’s history, 40-year-old Army reservist Robert Card made a cryptic remark to police, stating, “I am capable” of doing “something.” This revelation came to light through body camera footage obtained by WMTW, as New York State troopers were enforcing a directive to bring Card to counseling services at a West Point Army facility in July. He was later transferred to a civilian psychiatric hospital.
The concern over Card’s mental state was raised by members of his Army Reserve unit, prompting the troopers to intervene. In the footage, a trooper informs Card, “I hope you understand that they’re concerned enough about your welfare that they called us.” Card responds by expressing a capability to do “something,” but when pressed further by the trooper, he dismisses the remark as “nothing.”
The tragic turn of events unfolded on October 25, 2023, when Card fatally shot 18 people in Lewiston, Maine, sparking a massive manhunt that ended with his suicide. Prior to the shooting, Card’s mental decline had been well-documented, with concerns about his mental health expressed by his Army Reserve unit, as well as his best friend who had warned their boss about Card’s potential for violence.
According to the reservists, Card’s mental state had deteriorated over the years, leading to strained relationships and concerning behavior, such as his excessive spending on guns and claims of hearing people spreading rumors about him. This, along with other documented incidents, raised serious red flags about Card’s mental well-being.
In the wake of the massacre, Card fled in a vehicle before taking his own life. His motive for the shooting remains a mystery, but officials are closely examining his history of mental health issues to gain a better understanding of the tragic event.
This tragic story serves as a grim reminder of the devastating impact of untreated mental health issues and the importance of early intervention and support for individuals struggling with mental health challenges. The aftermath of this senseless violence serves as a call to action for greater awareness and resources to address mental health concerns within communities and support those in need.