Cops Sent To Gunman's Home For Mental Health Check Weeks Prior To Massacre
By Kelly Coffey-Behrens on October 30, 2023 at 11:30 AM EDT
According to new reports, law enforcement was sent to Robert Card's home prior to the mass shootings that occurred in Maine last week.
Robert Card was named a suspect in the tragic events that took place on Wednesday. It was later revealed that the 40-year-old army veteran had mental health concerns as he claimed he was "hearing voices".
After the Maine National Guard noticed Mr. Card acting strange, they asked local police to check on the reservist, concerned he would “snap and commit a mass shooting."
Local Police Sent To Robert Card's Home Prior To Massacre
According to new reports, police officers from the Sagadahoc County and Kennebec County Sheriff’s Offices responded to a call to check on Robert Card less than six weeks before the mass shootings occurred in Lewiston, Maine.
Sources tell CNN that law enforcement attempted to contact Robert Card on September 16, which was just weeks before Wednesday’s massacres that occurred in a bowling alley and a bar.
The concerns came after a soldier became concerned Mr. Card would “snap and commit a mass shooting."
The Sagadahoc County sergeant first called for backup as he tried to talk to the 40-year-old reservist, but was unsuccessful. That is when law enforcement received disturbing details from the Maine National Guard and the shooter’s family, informing police that Mr. Card said he was "hearing voices", and had allegedly threatened to shoot up the National Guard base in Saco.
Police were then informed that Mr. Card was committed to a mental health facility for two weeks this summer.
The responding sergeant from the Sagadahoc County Sheriff’s Office was told “when [he] answers the door at his trailer, in the past he usually does so with a handgun in hand out of view from the person outside,” according to CNN's source who reportedly had access to the welfare check report.
Plus, in July, New York State Police were called to Camp Smith, where Robert Card was serving in the National Guard. According to police, Mr. Card was acting “belligerent” and was potentially “intoxicated.”
Robert Card Purchases Guns Legally Despite Mental Health Concerns
Robert Card was reportedly a sergeant first class in the U.S. Army Reserve, where he enlisted in the Reserve in 2002. He was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 304th Infantry Regiment in Saco, Maine, U.S. Army spokesperson Bryce Dubee told CBS News.
As The Blast previously reported, prior to being ordered to undergo a psychiatric evaluation, Mr. Card had legally purchased guns in July.
In addition, only ten days before the mass shooting, Mr. Card had purchased a high-powered Ruger SFAR rifle. This weapon was also obtained legally. The state of Maine, where he purchased the gun, does not require background checks on all gun sales.
Robert Card's Body Was Found With Self-Inflicted Gun Shot Wound
Robert Card, the primary suspect in the mass shooting that took place in Lewiston last Wednesday, was found dead Friday evening after a massive manhunt took place over the course of 48+ hours. He was found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, police confirmed.
Prior to discovering Mr. Card’s body, the FBI located a note in a home, which was believed to be owned by Mr. Card.
Maine Department of Public Safety Commissioner Mike Sauschuck gave more details regarding the note found in Mr. Card’s home on Friday morning, explaining that it was a paper-style note addressed to a loved one. The note reportedly stated, “This is the passcode for my phone; this is the bank account number.”
Although Sauschuck did not describe it as an explicit suicide note, he did state that the note indicated that Mr. Card would not be around for much longer, and wanted this loved one to know about these personal details. The police do have a search warrant for Mr. Card’s cellphone and will release more details as law enforcement continues their investigation.
The Blast will continue to report on any new information that is released regarding the unfortunate events that occurred in Maine on Wednesday evening.
