An Army reservist testified about Robert Card’s mental decline and the warning he issued before the shooting in Lewiston. Sean Hodgson texted leaders of his reserve unit, advising them to change the gate passcode and arm themselves if Card showed up. Hodgson voiced concerns about Card’s escalating delusional and violent behavior. The tragedy occurred when Card opened fire at a bowling alley and a bar in Lewiston, where he believed people were talking about him. Two days later, the 40-year-old Reservist was found dead of a self-inflicted gunshot wound, bringing new attention to the need to address mental health and gun safety.
Hodgson warned superiors six weeks before the shooting that he believed Card could snap and do a mass shooting. He described Card’s threats and delusions as escalating and concerning, especially given his access to guns. Several other reservists witnessed Card’s deterioration and hospitalization last summer, a few months after relatives raised concerns about his paranoia and access to firearms. An independent commission criticized the failure of authorities to take action on Card’s weapons and mental health in the weeks leading up to the shooting, noting that deputies had probable cause to seize his guns under Maine’s “yellow flag” law.
Witnesses described seeing Card’s mental and physical decline firsthand, with a once normal guy becoming increasingly paranoid and believing others were targeting him. Card acquired a high-tech thermal scope and demonstrated how it could be used to detect animals, leading his fellow reservists to believe he could become a danger to others. Despite being released from a psychiatric hospital after only two weeks, concerns persisted about Card’s behavior and access to firearms, prompting calls for improved gun safety laws and mental health interventions.
Hodgson recounted his friendship with Card and the moments leading up to the tragedy, explaining how he warned authorities about his friend’s behavior out of love and concern. Despite struggles with PTSD and alcohol addiction, Hodgson maintains that he was sober and alert when he issued the warning text, emphasizing the importance of taking mental health concerns seriously. The director of victim services for the Maine Office of the Attorney General also testified about the challenges of responding to the tragedy and providing support to those affected, underscoring the need for comprehensive resources and support for victims and their families.
The six-month commemoration event held by the Maine Resiliency Center honored the memory of the 18 victims through a reading of their names and the lighting of candles. Governor Janet Mills acknowledged the ongoing healing process and the long road ahead for the community, emphasizing the importance of unity and support in the wake of tragedy. The interim report from the independent commission highlighted areas where authorities could have taken action to prevent the shooting, focusing on the need for improved mental health interventions and gun safety measures. As the investigation continues, the events leading up to the tragedy shed light on the importance of early intervention and support for individuals struggling with mental health issues.
