The family of Robert Card, an Army reservist who committed a mass shooting in Maine, revealed that he had a severe traumatic brain injury linked to his service as a hand grenade training instructor. The military has initiated a psychological autopsy to investigate his life. Despite not being an active soldier, Card’s brain showed significant damage, raising questions about whether enough was done to prevent the tragedy that claimed 18 lives at a bowling alley and bar in Lewiston.
Card’s family explained that researchers found evidence of a traumatic brain injury after studying his brain, describing it as one of the worst cases they had seen even compared to military personnel who served in combat zones. His brother-in-law, James Herling, emphasized that Card’s brain was not healthy and that he was not the same person due to his injury. His family had noticed changes in his behavior leading up to the shooting, but were unprepared for the gravity of his actions, highlighting the challenges of recognizing and addressing mental health issues.
Nicole Herline, Card’s sister, also testified that her brother’s deteriorating mental health was evident in the months prior to the shooting. Despite reaching out for help, their concerns were largely unanswered by the military. Card had a history of psychiatric hospitalization and warnings from fellow reservists and friends that he could be a threat. While the military restricted his access to weapons after a previous incident, local law enforcement agencies could have taken further steps under Maine’s “yellow flag” law.
The commission investigating the shooting identified gaps in communication and response that may have prevented the tragedy. Military officials shifted responsibility to law enforcement for seizing Card’s firearms, while the family called for a better understanding of the impact of blast injuries on soldiers. Despite his traumatic brain injury, researchers found no evidence of chronic traumatic encephalopathy, a degenerative brain disease associated with violent behavior. Still, Card’s case underscores the need for improved training on recognizing the signs of brain injuries among service members.
His ex-wife, Cara Lamb, who shared a son with Card, struggled to find a motive for his actions. She emphasized the need for a comprehensive response to mental health crises, urging collective responsibility from all those involved in addressing the needs of individuals struggling with mental health issues. The emotional toll of the shooting was evident at the hearing, as family members expressed their grief and desire for changes that will prevent similar tragedies in the future. The commission’s final report is expected to provide recommendations for improving mental health support and response mechanisms within the military and broader community.
