In a recent revelation from the Sagadahoc County Sheriff’s Office, it has come to light that the family of Robert R. Card, the Maine gunman responsible for the deadliest mass shooting in the state’s history, had expressed concerns about his deteriorating mental health and access to firearms months before the tragic incident.
According to the sheriff’s account, the family contacted the sheriff’s office in May, revealing that Card’s mental health had been on a decline since January. The family voiced their worries about his well-being and alerted the authorities that Card had access to firearms. In response, the county deputy engaged with representatives of the 3rd Battalion 304 Training Group, connecting them with Card’s family. The family assured the office that they would ensure Card received necessary medical attention.
Subsequently, the unit sergeant expressed an intention to speak with Card. The sheriff’s office, in its new documentation, outlined a second instance in September when they received an alert from Card’s Army Reserve unit in Saco, prompting a wellness check. On September 15, after two visits to Card’s home, the deputy issued a File 6 alert, cautioning other law enforcement agencies about Card, who was considered armed and dangerous.
Despite efforts, Card could not be located on September 16, and the deputy, after contacting Card’s unit commander and brother, learned that Card no longer had weapons from the reserve unit. The commander expressed their attempt to get treatment for Card, emphasizing the need to give him time alone. Card’s brother committed to securing any firearms Card had access to, with the family instructed to contact the sheriff’s office if they believed Card posed a risk to himself or others.
The File 6 alert was canceled on October 18, seven days before Card carried out the mass shooting, claiming 18 lives and injuring 13 others. The sheriff’s office, while expressing deep sorrow over the loss of lives, defended its actions, stating that they believe their agency acted appropriately and followed procedures for wellness checks. The sheriff’s statement acknowledged the need to evaluate policies and procedures to improve public safety while respecting individuals’ rights.
Previous reports had highlighted concerns raised by Card’s family regarding his deteriorating mental health. A bulletin sent to the police post-attack revealed that Card had spent two weeks in a mental health facility after experiencing auditory hallucinations and threats to carry out a shooting at a military base earlier in the summer.
