Three Army Reserve officers faced disciplinary actions for failing in their duties after a reservist went on a shooting spree in Maine, killing 18 people. An Army report revealed communication breakdowns and other problems that contributed to the tragedy.
Lt. Gen. Jody Daniels, head of the Army Reserves, said there were significant leadership failures and that the officers’ careers might be affected. The report highlighted missed chances to prevent the October 2023 attack, noting that the gunman had shown troubling behavior months before.
Sgt. 1st Class Robert Card, who committed the shootings, had made alarming statements and displayed signs of mental health issues. The report mentions a possible link between his past head injury and his mental state, though the military is examining if repeated exposure to blasts could be a factor.
The shooting occurred at a bowling alley and a bar in Lewiston, causing 13 gunshot injuries and 20 other injuries. Card died by suicide. An independent commission is also investigating, with a report expected later this summer.
The Army’s report suggests changes to manage reservists’ mental health better and includes recommendations for procedural improvements. The Army’s Inspector General report, however, placed the blame mainly on Card.
Senators Susan Collins and Angus King are working to improve access to crisis intervention programs for the military while respecting Second Amendment rights. The reports pointed out issues with leadership, communication between hospitals, and Card’s mental health care.
Card’s behavior had been concerning since January 2023, and despite warnings, he was allowed to attend training at West Point. After his hospital stay, he was released and returned to Maine, where he was not under Army rules. An interim report by Maine’s independent commission suggested that law enforcement should have seized Card’s weapons instead of relying on his family.