Following a devastating rampage in which a reservist killed 18 people in Maine, an Army report revealed that three Army Reserve officers were disciplined for dereliction of duty. The report highlighted communication failures within the chain of command and between military and civilian hospitals as contributing factors to the tragedy.
The report, released on Tuesday, pointed out a series of failures by unit leadership, according to Lt. Gen. Jody Daniels, chief of the Army Reserves. The officers faced administrative actions that could impede their military advancement, although their identities were not disclosed.
Survivors and victims' families expressed frustration over missed opportunities to prevent the October 2023 attack. Concerns were raised months earlier when the gunman exhibited delusional and paranoid behavior, with family members and fellow reservists noticing alarming signs.
The investigation revealed that the gunman, Sgt. 1st Class Robert Card, had a history of head injuries possibly stemming from a fall from a ladder. While there was no direct link established between his brain injury and military service, the report emphasized the need for further examination into potential damage caused by repeated blasts.
Prior to the shooting, Card displayed concerning behavior, including creating a hit list, boasting about his ability to kill with a rifle scope, and expressing intentions to quit his job before harming someone.
The tragic incident occurred on October 25, 2023, at a bowling alley and a bar and grill in Lewiston, resulting in 18 fatalities, 13 gunshot survivors, and 20 individuals with non-shooting injuries. Card later died by suicide.
The Army report recommended procedural changes and new policies to enhance the management of reservists' mental health. An independent commission established by Governor Janet Mills is also investigating the tragedy, with a report expected later this summer.
Both the Army Reserves and the Army's Inspector General were tasked with providing a comprehensive account of events. The 115-page Army report, based on numerous interviews and exhibits, underscored the need for improved mental health support and behavioral health retraining across the U.S. Army Reserves.
Despite the identified areas for improvement, the Inspector General's report concluded that even flawless execution by Army personnel may not have averted the tragic events. Efforts are underway to ensure military access to state crisis intervention programs while safeguarding Second Amendment rights of military personnel.
The report highlighted failures in leadership, communication, and procedural processes within the Reserve unit, emphasizing the importance of thorough medical evaluations and continuity of care for at-risk individuals like Card.
Concerns over Card's deteriorating health were raised months before the shooting, with missed opportunities to intervene effectively. The interim report by Maine's independent commission suggested that law enforcement should have taken action to seize Card's weapons, potentially preventing the tragic outcome.
