AUGUSTA, Maine – Maine state police have faced criticism for their search efforts following a mass shooting at a bowling alley and bar last fall, where 18 people were killed. The shooter, Robert Card, died by suicide, but it took police two days to discover his body. The delay in finding Card’s body led to tens of thousands of Maine residents being ordered to shelter in their homes.
State Police Chief Col. Bill Ross defended the search, calling it “extremely challenging” due to the two separate shooting locations and the intense search that followed. Major Lucas Hare, who heads the state police operations division, explained that they delayed the search of the surrounding woods because they believed Card, a former Army reservist, might have had thermal gun scope or night-vision capabilities, posing a potential danger to officers.
Despite criticisms, police continued to respond to leads and tips, ultimately discovering Card’s body in the back of a tractor-trailer during a third search. An independent panel appointed by the governor is investigating the shooting and the police response to determine if anything could have been done under existing law to prevent the tragedy, and whether changes are needed to prevent future mass shootings.
Police evidence indicates that Card fired at least 54 shots using a .308-caliber rifle, and his movements after abandoning his vehicle remain unknown. His deteriorating mental health had been a concern for both police and the Army in the months leading up to the shooting, with warnings from relatives and fellow reservists.
The investigation is ongoing, with further information from Card’s cellphone being provided to the commission. The commission will explore whether any changes to existing laws are needed to prevent similar tragedies in the future.