Lewiston, Maine – A recent evaluation of an Army reservist who perpetrated the deadliest shooting in Maine’s history shed light on his glowing reputation amongst superiors. Despite this praise, concerns about his mental health were surfacing among family members. Robert Card, 40, of Bowdoin, was described as “a consummate professional” and an exceptional squad leader in his April 2023 review. Tragically, six months later, he went on to commit a mass shooting that claimed the lives of 18 individuals before taking his own life.
Records from Card’s personnel files revealed that he had undergone mental health training in the past when he volunteered as one of his unit’s suicide prevention officers. This training occurred between 2015 and 2016. However, signs of mental instability started to emerge shortly before his ex-wife and son alerted authorities in May about his increasingly paranoid and angry behavior.
In a review shortly before the shooting, Card was commended for exceeding standards in his role as a senior trainer, highlighting his proficiency in grenade instruction and leadership training. Fellow reservists are set to testify before an independent commission investigating the shootings. Body camera footage from police interviews with reservists showcased concerns and warnings about his demeanor leading up to the tragic events.
Despite these admonitions, Card’s personnel record did not reflect any mental health concerns. Subsequently, he was hospitalized after exhibiting erratic behavior and making ominous statements about his capabilities. Ultimately, he took his own life in a parking lot following a statewide manhunt.
The devastating incident left 18 dead and 13 others injured, prompting a closer look at the evaluation processes for military personnel. The case serves as a stark reminder of the complexities surrounding mental health assessments and the need for improved support systems within the armed forces to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future.