Lewiston, Maine – New bodycam footage has been released, shedding light on the mental health troubles of Robert Card, who carried out a deadly shooting rampage in the state. The footage shows state police questioning Card, who had previously told fellow soldiers that he was “capable” of doing something concerning, leading to concerns about a potential threat.
Months before the shooting, Card’s mental health struggles were well-documented, with the new footage adding to a long list of red flags. In October of last year, Card’s shooting rampage became the deadliest mass shooting in Maine’s history, leaving 18 people dead and 13 wounded. The body of Card, a reservist, was found at a recycling facility in Lisbon two days after the attacks, as he died by suicide.
The newly-released bodycam footage captured Card being involved in an altercation, locking himself in his motel room, and alarming reservists. In the video, he is seen telling state police that people had been talking behind his back for about six months, spreading rumors that he was gay and a pedophile. His fellow reservists, whose names were redacted, expressed concerns about his changed behavior and physical appearance, describing him as “skin and bones” and expressing fear that he might harm himself or others.
Furthermore, the footage showed that Card had been ordered to go to an Army facility to be hospitalized after fellow soldiers grew worried about his behavior. Despite being driven to Keller Army Hospital for evaluation and spending two weeks at a psychiatric hospital, the shooting rampage still occurred. Reports have revealed that colleagues and family members repeatedly raised alarm about threats he had made in the months prior to the shooting.
In the lead-up to the shooting, police had been alerted multiple times about Card’s declining mental health and concerns about his access to guns. Text messages from a Sergeant Hudson and a Sagadahoc County deputy’s attempt to meet with Card at his home in Bowdoin all pointed to the growing unease about Card’s behavior. Despite these warnings, no action was taken to prevent the tragic event that unfolded.
The release of the bodycam footage has sparked further debate and raised questions about potential missed opportunities that could have averted the shooting. The footage serves as a chilling reminder of the complex issues surrounding mental health and gun violence, prompting discussions about the response of law enforcement, legal, and mental health systems in handling individuals at risk of carrying out such acts.
As investigations continue, the newly-released bodycam footage has reignited conversations about the need for improved protocols and interventions for individuals exhibiting concerning behavior. It has also prompted calls for a comprehensive review of existing laws and procedures to prevent similar tragedies in the future.