As the community reels from Maine's deadliest mass shooting last week, investigations are pointing to multiple red flags about the alleged shooter's deteriorating mental health and access to firearms. Robert R. Card, who took 18 lives and subsequently killed himself, had been on the radar of local law enforcement and military units for several months before his violent rampage.
Card's family sounded alarms about his mental health earlier this year, contacting the Sagadahoc County Sheriff's Office in May. They highlighted his unstable mental state, noting a decline since January, and expressed worries over his access to firearms. "They were concerned for his well-being," the Sheriff's Office confirmed. Despite these concerns, the gravity of the threat Card posed seemed to elude a coordinated response.
A chilling account from Card's 18-year-old son in May gave insights into his father's paranoia. He reported Card believed people were maligning him in public. Additionally, Card's ex-wife revealed that he had acquired multiple guns stored at his brother's residence. Despite these disclosures, after speaking with military representatives and Card's family, officials believed that he would get the necessary medical attention.
Further heightening concerns, in September, Card's Army Reserve unit in Saco issued an alert for a wellness check on him. On two separate occasions, deputies responded, visiting Card's residence. On one of those visits, they believed they detected movement inside, but no direct contact was made. Instead of pushing for an intervention, Card's unit commander suggested giving him some personal space, believing he no longer possessed any military weapons.
Highlighting the extent of concerns about Card's state of mind, an Army statement in July had categorically stated that Card "should not have a weapon, handle ammunition, and not participate in live fire activity," following erratic behavior.
In the wake of the tragedy, the response - or lack thereof - to these red flags is being heavily scrutinized. "An important part of our response will be to understand what happened and ask ourselves what changes are needed to protect Maine people," said Maine Governor Janet Mills.
The attack's aftermath has been devastating. Among the victims were a young boy at a bowling alley with his father, contestants in a cornhole tournament for the deaf, and multiple parents of young children.
Sheriff Joel Merry stood by the actions of the Sagadahoc County Sheriff's Office: "We believe that our agency acted appropriately and followed procedures for an attempt to locate and wellness check." Nevertheless, in response to the public outcry, he added, "We will evaluate our policies and procedures for conducting wellness checks, aiming to enhance public safety while respecting individual rights."
These events underscore the challenges law enforcement and the military face in dealing with mental health issues, especially when firearms are accessible. The question remains: How can potential threats be better assessed and acted upon, ensuring community safety without compromising individual rights?
