LEWISTON, Maine – New bodycam footage has surfaced of Robert Card being questioned by police before he was taken to a psychiatric hospital, shedding light on his mental state before carrying out the deadliest mass shooting in Maine’s history. Fellow soldiers had dialed 911 over fears of his potential actions.
Card, a reservist, went on a shooting rampage in October, killing 18 people and wounding 13 at a bowling alley and a bar in Lewiston. The footage reveals that his mental health troubles were well-documented months before the shooting, with multiple red flags missed along the way. The 40-year-old’s body was found at a recycling facility two days after the attacks, as he died by suicide.
The new footage provides a chilling glimpse into Card’s mental state, with fellow reservists expressing concern about his behavior and well-being. It also details his interactions with state police, where he was heard telling them ‘I am capable’ and expressing grievances about rumors being spread about him.
The release of the bodycam footage has raised questions about the handling of Card’s mental health concerns in the months leading up to the shooting. There were missed opportunities and red flags involving Card that have been revealed by initial investigations, with reports showing that colleagues and family members repeatedly raised alarms about his threatening behavior.
There were multiple instances where authorities were alerted about Card’s declining mental health and concerns about his access to firearms. However, it appears that the system failed to ensure that his guns were taken away, ultimately leading to the tragic shooting in Lewiston.
A commission is currently investigating potential missed opportunities that could have prevented the shooting, with a written report expected in the coming months. In addition, an independent report found that the sheriff’s office response to concerns about Card’s declining mental health was deemed ‘reasonable’—raising questions about the adequacy of the response in addressing serious mental health issues.
This case shines a light on the importance of addressing mental health concerns and ensuring access to firearms is carefully monitored, particularly in cases where serious warning signs have been raised. The tragic events in Lewiston highlight the need for comprehensive measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.