MEREDITH, N.H. – An independent commission tasked with investigating the events leading up to a tragic mass shooting, where Army reservist Robert Card killed 18 people at a bowling alley and a bar in Lewiston, Maine on October 25, 2023, has released its findings. The report, made public on Friday, highlights crucial details and reactions from those affected by the devastating incident.
One of the key conclusions drawn by the commission was that law enforcement missed opportunities to prevent the deadly shooting. They pointed out that Card’s firearms should have been confiscated and that he should have been placed under protective custody in the weeks leading up to the massacre. A specific incident involving Sgt. Aaron Skolfield of the Sagadahoc County Sheriff’s Office, who failed to act upon reports of Card’s unstable behavior prior to the shooting, was highlighted in the report.
The commission’s findings have sparked mixed reactions among those closely impacted by the tragedy. Leroy Walker, whose son Joseph was a victim of the shooting, expressed disappointment that the mandatory yellow flag law was not invoked to potentially prevent such a horrific event. Legal representative Ben Gideon, speaking on behalf of the victims, echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the need for a broader discussion on gun control in the state.
Elizabeth Seal, who lost her husband Joshua in the shooting, criticized the report for its narrow focus, which predominantly scrutinized the actions of the sheriff’s office. Meanwhile, Democratic Governor Janet Mills underscored the importance of the commission’s work in shedding light on critical issues surrounding public safety and law enforcement practices.
As the investigation continues, Commission Chair Daniel Wathen emphasized the ongoing efforts to gather essential information for policymakers and law enforcement agencies. The commission, headed by a former chief justice of Maine’s highest court, plans to hold additional meetings and release a final report later in the year. Their objective is to provide factual details to support the victims, their families, and the people of Maine seeking closure and understanding in the wake of the tragic incident.