Lewiston, Maine – Experts in brain injuries urge caution when interpreting limited information concerning evidence of traumatic brain injury found in an Army reservist responsible for Maine’s deadliest mass shooting last year.
Researchers from Boston University revealed on Wednesday the discovery of traumatic brain injury in Robert Card, the shooter who killed 18 people in a bowling alley and bar in Lewiston. The analysis of Card’s brain tissue indicated degeneration in nerve fibers, inflammation, and small blood vessel injury, raising questions about the impact of these injuries on his mental health leading up to the shooting.
While researchers did not directly link Card’s brain injury to his violent actions, they acknowledged the likelihood that the injury played a role in his declining mental state. The complexity of traumatic brain injuries was underscored by Dr. Alexandra Filippakis, a neurologist, who highlighted that symptoms and severity can vary widely among individuals, making it challenging to definitively attribute behavior to a specific injury.
Despite no evidence of chronic traumatic encephalopathy, experts emphasize the connection between brain injuries and underlying psychological conditions, suggesting that injuries could exacerbate existing psychiatric issues. Furthermore, research has shown that repeated exposure to low-level blasts, such as those experienced by Card during his military service, can lead to significant changes in the brain.
The Department of Defense is actively involved in studying blast-induced brain injuries, with a panel set to release new guidelines in May for the U.S. military and NATO allies. Highlighting the importance of protecting soldiers against such injuries, the Army plans to update risk mitigation guidance, launch a public safety campaign, and enhance documentation and tracking of personnel exposed to blasts.
Personal accounts from Card’s friend and fellow reservist, Sean Hodgson, shed light on the controlled nature of blast exercises at their training range, emphasizing that safety measures were in place. Hodgson’s concerns about Card’s behavior prior to the shooting, as well as the Army’s interventions following episodes of aggressive behavior, further underscore the complexity of addressing mental health issues within the military.
In a statement released by Card’s family, they expressed their remorse for the attack and shared the findings of the brain study in hopes of contributing to efforts to prevent similar tragedies in the future. The tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges in identifying and addressing the complex interplay between mental health, traumatic brain injuries, and violent behavior.