Army Promises To Investigate Maine Mass Shooter's Behavior

Army officials have confirmed they will conduct a full investigation surrounding Robert Card, the suspect in the Maine mass shootings that occurred in October.

Card, who was a 40-year-old military instructor, killed 18 and injured 13 during his shooting spree in a bowling alley and a local restaurant in Lewiston.

As we previously reported, Card stated he was hearing voices, and had allegedly threatened to shoot up the National Guard base in Saco. He also allegedly accused soldiers of calling him a pedophile, and even shoved a fellow soldier before locking himself in his room during training in New York.

With so many signs leading up to the tragic events that occurred in Lewiston, Maine, victims' families demand answers. Now, the Army is promising to conduct separate, independent, and concurrent investigations on the days leading up to the mass shootings and Robert Card's death.

Following a meeting with the families who were affected by the tragic events in Lewiston, Maine that occurred in October, members of the Maine delegation called on the Department of the Army Inspector General to investigate Robert Card's mental health and behavior in the days leading up to the mass shootings.

Army officials have agreed to conduct investigations into the shootings, and these investigations will dive deep into the mental health history and Card's behavior, per AP News.

It was previously reported that Robert Card was committed to a mental health facility for two weeks this summer. Following his time in the hospital, Card’s superiors were told that he should not handle any weapons or participate in live-fire activities; however, Robert Card was still able to legally purchase firearms just days before the Maine mass shootings occurred.

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.”

It has been confirmed by multiple reports that 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.

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.

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 was found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound after a massive manhunt took place over the course of 48+ hours.

The Blast will continue to report on any new information that is released regarding the unfortunate events that occurred in Maine in October.