Authorities have officially named Robert Card as a person of interest in the devastating attacks that unfolded in Lewiston, Maine, resulting in the tragic loss of 18 lives and the injury of 13 others.
It is disheartening to note that Card’s familiarity with law enforcement had been established months prior to his rampage, which ultimately culminated in his own demise just two days later.
In order to shed light on the events that transpired, it is imperative to examine the various interactions Card had with sheriff’s deputies, his family, and fellow members of his Army Reserve unit.
These insights have been derived from official statements made by authorities and the subsequent release of pertinent documents.
By delving into these accounts, we can gain a deeper understanding of the circumstances that led to this shocking and tragic incident.
May is a month that is often associated with the arrival of spring and the renewal of life. However, for some individuals, this month may bring about a different set of challenges and struggles.
On May 3rd, the life of a family in Topsham, located about 15 miles southeast of Lewiston, was turned upside down when the 18-year-old son and ex-wife of renowned author Orson Scott Card, approached a school resource officer with concerns about the young man’s deteriorating mental health.
The incident highlighted the importance of mental health awareness and the need for individuals to seek help when they are struggling with their mental well-being.
The month of May serves as a reminder that mental health is a crucial aspect of overall health and well-being, and that it is important for individuals to prioritize their mental health needs.
On that particular day, a Sagadahoc County sheriff’s deputy had the opportunity to meet with the son and ex-wife of an individual who had been exhibiting concerning behavior.
According to the son, his father had begun making claims around January of the previous year that people around him were saying derogatory things about him.
This behavior had led to an increase in anger and paranoia on the part of the individual. The son went on to describe an incident that had occurred several weeks prior, in which his father had accused him of speaking ill of him behind his back.
Such behavior is undoubtedly alarming and raises concerns about the individual’s mental state and well-being.
It is important for individuals exhibiting such behavior to receive the appropriate care and support to ensure their safety and the safety of those around them.
On a specific day, a Sagadahoc County sheriff’s deputy had the opportunity to convene with the son and ex-wife of an individual who had been displaying worrisome behavior.
As per the son, his father had started asserting around January of the preceding year that people in his surroundings were making derogatory remarks about him.
This conduct had resulted in heightened anger and paranoia on the part of the individual. The son proceeded to recount an incident that had transpired a few weeks earlier, wherein his father had accused him of speaking ill of him behind his back.
Undoubtedly, such behavior is deeply concerning and raises apprehensions regarding the mental state and well-being of the individual.
It is of utmost importance that individuals exhibiting such behavior receive the appropriate care and support to ensure their own safety as well as the safety of those around them.
According to documents released by the sheriff’s office in Maine, a soldier recounted an incident where he informed another individual that nobody was discussing him and that everyone present was his friend.
However, this person, identified as Card, responded by instructing the soldier to leave him alone and attempted to forcefully shut the door in his face.
Following this altercation, the New York State Police were called to the scene and subsequently transported Card to a hospital located at the U.S. Military Academy in West Point for an evaluation.
During the course of the four hours that the soldier spent with Card, the latter remained silent and maintained an unwavering gaze, devoid of any blinking.
Another soldier within the same unit corroborated this account in a letter addressed to the Sagadahoc County Sheriff’s Office.
Card’s evaluation led to his admission at the Four Winds Psychiatric Hospital in Katonah, New York, where he remained for a duration of 14 days. Notably, this facility is situated only a few miles (or kilometers) away from West Point.
In the month of August, a significant event unfolded involving Card, as reported by the Army. On August 3rd, Card returned home and in response, the Army issued a directive stating that he was not to possess a weapon, handle ammunition, or partake in any live-fire activities while on duty.
Furthermore, the Army deemed him non-deployable. Subsequently, on August 5th, Card visited Coastal Defense Firearms in Auburn, adjacent to Lewiston, to collect a gun suppressor, commonly known as a silencer, that he had previously ordered online.
According to Rick LaChapelle, the proprietor of the shop, federal authorities had granted approval for the sale of the device up until that point.
However, the transaction was halted when Card completed a form and responded affirmatively to the inquiry: “Have you ever been adjudicated as a mental defective OR have you ever been committed to a mental institution?”
Upon being informed of the denial, Card remained courteous, alluding to his military background, and mentioned his intention to consult his lawyer before promptly returning to the shop, as relayed by LaChapelle.
In September, a deputy was dispatched to conduct a wellness check at Card’s residence in Bowdoin, located approximately 10 miles southeast of Lewiston.
The request for the check came from Card’s unit, after a fellow soldier expressed concerns that Card may resort to committing a mass shooting due to recurring auditory hallucinations.
Documents released by the Sagadahoc County Sheriff’s Office revealed that upon arrival, the deputy was unable to locate Card within his trailer.
Consequently, the sheriff’s office issued a statewide alert, urging assistance in finding Card. The alert emphasized that Card was considered “armed and dangerous,” advising law enforcement officers to exercise extreme caution.
On September 16, the same deputy, accompanied by another officer, returned to Card’s trailer. Although Card’s car was present, no one responded to their attempts to make contact.
The deputy’s report indicated that they could hear movement inside the trailer, suggesting that Card was present but chose not to answer the door.
The report also included a letter from an anonymous member of Card’s Reserve unit, recounting the incidents from July and a recent phone call from another soldier.
According to the letter, the soldier claimed that he and Card had been returning from a casino when Card suddenly assaulted him and expressed intentions to carry out a shooting spree, targeting various locations including an Army Reserve drill center in Saco, Maine.
The soldier further mentioned that Card blamed him for being unable to purchase firearms due to his commitment to the military.
In a series of events that unfolded in October 2023, the search for a man named Card, who was believed to be in need of treatment, took a tragic turn.
The Army had been contacted by a deputy who reached out to the Reserve unit commander, seeking assistance for Card.
The commander assured the deputy that the Army was making efforts to get treatment for Card and suggested that it would be best to give him some time alone.
Meanwhile, Card’s brother informed the deputy that he had secured Card’s firearms in a gun safe at the family farm and would work with their father to relocate the guns to ensure Card couldn’t access them.
In the following months, Card failed to attend weekend Army reserve training activities, citing work conflicts as the reason for his absence.
As the month of October progressed, the situation took a grim turn. On the 18th of October, the sheriff’s office decided to cancel the statewide alert that had been issued to locate Card.
However, just one week later, on the evening of October 25th, authorities received distressing 911 calls reporting a gunman at the Just-In-Time Recreation bowling alley in Lewiston.
Despite the prompt response of four local police officers who were nearby at a gun range, the assailant had already fled the scene by the time they arrived. Within four minutes, additional officers from the Lewiston police force reached the location.
Within twelve minutes of the initial 911 call, while state troopers were making their way to the bowling alley, more calls flooded in concerning a gunman at Schemengees Bar and Grille, located approximately 4 miles away.
Law enforcement arrived at the bar five minutes later, but once again, the attacker had already departed. Tragically, the bowling alley and bar incidents resulted in the loss of seven and eight lives, respectively, with three more individuals succumbing to their injuries at the hospital.
Maine State Police documents, released on Tuesday, revealed that surveillance footage from the bar depicted a white male armed with a rifle entering the premises after exiting a vehicle.
Another portion of the footage captured the same man systematically targeting and shooting at patrons within the establishment.
An hour after the shootings, authorities released a photograph of Card, and it was his own family members who identified him as the perpetrator.
Residents were promptly advised to remain indoors, securing their doors, while a massive manhunt involving hundreds of officers was launched to apprehend the gunman.
During the course of the night following the attacks, Card’s vehicle was discovered near a boat launch in Lisbon, approximately 8 miles away from Lewiston.
Over the next two days, an extensive search effort focused on property owned by Card’s family in Bowdoin.
Tragically, Card was found deceased at a recycling center on Friday night, having apparently taken his own life with a self-inflicted gunshot.
The events that unfolded throughout this period left a community in shock and mourning, as they struggled to comprehend the devastating loss of innocent lives.