Maine Mass Shooting: Failures in Communication Lead to Tragic Release of Military Reservist with Homicidal Ideations

Lewiston, Maine, Maine United States of America
Army investigation found communication failures between military and civilian hospitals and within chain of command
Card, a military reservist, was treated for mental health issues at Four Winds Hospital but not properly notified to military chain of command
Card had hit list, resistant to psycho-education, and blamed others for actions
Colleagues, friends, and family members voiced concerns over Card's mental health months before shooting
Robert Card killed 18 people and injured over a dozen others in Maine mass shooting in October 2023
Staff at hospital did not notify military for eight days after Card's release and Army Reserve failed to review information for ten days
Three officers disciplined for dereliction of duty due to handling of Card's hospitalization and other unrelated events
Maine Mass Shooting: Failures in Communication Lead to Tragic Release of Military Reservist with Homicidal Ideations

In October 2023, Maine experienced its worst mass shooting in history when Robert Card killed 18 people and injured over a dozen others at a bowling alley and restaurant in Lewiston. The tragic event raised questions about the communication breakdowns that may have contributed to the incident.

Card, a military reservist, had previously been treated for mental health issues at Four Winds Hospital in New York. He was diagnosed with aggression, psychosis, and homicidal ideations but was released from the hospital in August 2023 without proper notification to his military chain of command.

Staff at the hospital did not notify the military for eight days after Card's release. When they finally did, Army Reserve staff delayed uploading the information for ten days and failed to review it, which could have prevented the mass shooting and suicide.

The investigation revealed that Card had a hit list, was resistant to psycho-education, and blamed others for his actions. He reportedly made alarming statements such as having a 'hit list' and expressing homicidal ideations before the incident. Colleagues, friends, and family members also voiced concerns over Card's mental health months before the shooting.

Card's best friend even warned unit leadership about his potential for a mass shooting in a text message just a month prior to the incident. Despite these warnings, no action was taken.

The Army investigation found that there were communication failures between military and civilian hospitals, as well as within the chain of command. Three officers were disciplined for dereliction of duty due to their handling of Card's hospitalization and other unrelated events.

The report also recommended procedural changes and new policies to better manage reservists' mental health, including a review of the U.S. Army Reserve's behavioral health force structure and comprehensive behavioral health retraining across the entire U.S. Army Reserve.


Article Image
Article Image
Article Image
Article Image
Article Image
Article Image
Article Image
Article Image
Article Image
Article Image
Article Image
Article Image

Confidence

91%

Doubts
  • Was there any specific reason why the military did not review Card's information for ten days after being notified?
  • Were there any other warning signs that were missed before the shooting?

Sources

98%

The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
(Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

Investigators say communications breakdown enabled Maine mass shooting

Entertainment Variety Tv Site: https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/tv-site/ Mike Heuer Wednesday, 24 July 2024 01:49
  • Unique Points
    • Robert Card committed the worst mass shooting in Maine’s history on Oct. 25, killing 18 people and wounding 13 others in separate shootings at a bowling alley and a restaurant in Lewiston, Maine.
    • Card had been struggling with mental health issues but was labeled ‘very low risk’ of causing harm to himself and others by staff at the Four Winds Hospital in New York.
    • Card shoved another reservist during a training exercise in New York in July 2023 and was put in the Four Winds psychiatric hospital for two weeks.
    • Card reportedly had a hit list, was ‘resistant to psycho-education’ and blamed others for how he acted but was released from the hospital in August 2023 for unreported reasons.
    • Staff at the Four Winds Hospital did not notify the military for eight days after Card’s release.
    • Army Reserve staff delayed uploading the information about Card’s release for 10 days and did not review it, which could have prevented the mass shooting and suicide.
  • Accuracy
    • Sagadahoc County Sheriff’s Department had enough information to prompt it to remove all firearms from Card’s home, but failed to do so.
    • The Army Reserve prohibited Card from accessing weapons while on duty but he still had his privately owned firearms at home.
  • Deception (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Fallacies (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Bias (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication

96%

The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
(Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

'Multiple failures' and dereliction of duty; US Army Reserve concludes investigation into Lewiston shooter

WMTW News 8 Maine Jon Chrisos Tuesday, 23 July 2024 15:12
  • Unique Points
    • Sgt. First Class Card was not in duty status or under direct control of the U.S. Army at time of shooting
    • Card broke neck in 2008 but never reported it to U.S. Army Reserve, no record in military medical file
  • Accuracy
    • Sgt. First Class Card was not in duty status or under direct control of the U.S. Army at time of shooting (article) vs Sgt. 1st Class Robert Card had weapons despite being prohibited from accessing them while on duty (otherArticles)
    • Card broke neck in 2008 but never reported it to U.S. Army Reserve, no record in military medical file (article) vs Card enlisted in 2001 and was a petroleum supply specialist but never was assigned to a combat role (otherArticles)
    • Commander of U.S. Army Reserve Command Lt. Gen. Jody Daniels discussing authorities regarding soldiers’ private weapons and storage (article) vs An Army nurse practitioner recommended that Card’s weapons be removed, but officers mistakenly thought they had no options and relied on his family (otherArticles)
    • Card shoved another reservist during a training exercise in New York in July 2023 and was put in the Four Winds psychiatric hospital for two weeks (otherArticles) vs Card reportedly had a 'hit list' but was 'resistant to psycho-education' and blamed others for how he acted but was released from the hospital in August 2023 for unreported reasons (otherArticles)
    • Staff at the Four Winds Hospital did not notify the military for eight days after Card’s release (otherArticles) vs Army Reserve staff delayed uploading the information about Card’s release for 10 days and did not review it, which could have prevented the mass shooting and suicide (article)
  • Deception (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Fallacies (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Bias (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication

78%

The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
(Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

Army acknowledges lapses, inaction before mass killing in Maine

The Fixing Site: A Summary of the Article. Alex Horton Tuesday, 23 July 2024 18:14
  • Unique Points
    • Army disciplined three officers for inaction and administrative failures before Robert Card's mass killing in Maine
    • Card had warned family members and friends about hearing voices ridiculating him before the rampage
    • Leaders in Card's chain of command failed to report his threats of violence internally or understand their authority regarding protected medical information or military regulations on weapons storage
  • Accuracy
    • Investigation found no evidence connecting Card’s military service to the violence
  • Deception (30%)
    The article contains selective reporting as it only reports details that support the author's position of the Army's inaction and failure to prevent the mass shooting. The article does not provide any context or counter-arguments from the Army or those who may have acted reasonably under different circumstances. Additionally, there is emotional manipulation through phrases such as 'state’s worst act of mass violence', 'intense scrutiny', and 'massacre'.
    • The hospital’s discharge decision was made under questionable circumstances, the Army’s investigation concludes.
    • The Oct. 25 shooting at a bowling alley and bar in Lewiston left 13 others injured – the state’s worst act of mass violence.
    • Leaders in his chain of command had an obligation to report his threats of violence internally but failed to do so, a report detailing the investigation says.
    • Card had told family members and friends that he heard voices ridiculing him,
  • Fallacies (75%)
    The article by Alex Horton contains several logical fallacies. The first fallacy is an appeal to authority in the statement 'Leaders in his chain of command, who have not been publicly identified, had an obligation to report his threats of violence internally but failed to do so.' This statement implies that just because someone is in a position of authority they are obligated to act. However, this is not necessarily true as individuals still have the ability to make their own choices and decisions. The second fallacy is hasty generalization in the statement 'Card exhibited warning signs months before the shooting that his Army supervisors failed to act upon.' This statement implies that because Card exhibited warning signs, his supervisors should have been able to predict and prevent the shooting. However, it is not always possible to predict human behavior and actions based on past behavior. The third fallacy is false cause in the statement 'Card’s exposure to blasts was “relatively minor,” but deferred to health experts to make further determinations about how they may have affected Card’s condition.' This statement implies that because Card's exposure to blasts was 'relatively minor,' it could not have contributed to his behavioral changes. However, this is not necessarily true as even minor exposures can have significant effects on an individual's health and well-being. The fourth fallacy is non sequitur in the statement 'The hospital’s discharge decision was made under “questionable circumstances,” the Army’s investigation concludes.' This statement implies that because the hospital's discharge decision was made under 'questionable circumstances,' it was necessarily the wrong decision. However, this is not necessarily true as there may have been valid reasons for the decision. The fifth fallacy is false dilemma in the statement 'One challenge unique to members of the military reserve, Daniels said, is that they spend very little time — about 38 days a year — in uniform, and commanders have limited authority to compel medical care or dictate how reservists store their personal weapons. But “that doesn’t stop us from calling our soldiers and caring about them and checking in with them,” she said.' This statement implies that because commanders have limited authority, they are unable to effectively care for and support their reservists. However, this is not necessarily true as there are other ways to care for and support individuals beyond direct authority. Overall, the article contains several logical fallacies that detract from its credibility and accuracy.
    • Leaders in his chain of command, who have not been publicly identified, had an obligation to report his threats of violence internally but failed to do so
    • Card exhibited warning signs months before the shooting that his Army supervisors failed to act upon
    • Card’s exposure to blasts was “relatively minor,” but deferred to health experts to make further determinations about how they may have affected Card’s condition
    • The hospital’s discharge decision was made under “questionable circumstances,” the Army’s investigation concludes
    • One challenge unique to members of the military reserve, Daniels said, is that they spend very little time — about 38 days a year — in uniform, and commanders have limited authority to compel medical care or dictate how reservists store their personal weapons. But “that doesn’t stop us from calling our soldiers and caring about them and checking in with them,” she said
  • Bias (95%)
    The author does not demonstrate any clear bias in the article. However, there are a few instances where the language used could be perceived as having a slight negative slant towards the Army and its leaders for their handling of Robert Card's case. For example, phrases like 'lapses and inaction before the mass killing', 'failed to act upon warning signs', and 'questionable circumstances' could be seen as implying fault or negligence on the part of the Army. However, these phrases are used to describe objective facts and do not necessarily reflect bias on the part of the author. Additionally, there is a quote from Lt. Gen. Jody J. Daniels where she deems Card's exposure to blasts as 'relatively minor', which could be perceived as downplaying the potential impact of traumatic injuries on Card's behavioral changes. However, this is also an objective statement based on the information provided in the article and does not necessarily reflect bias. Overall, while there may be some subtle language choices that could be interpreted as having a slight negative slant towards the Army, there is no clear evidence of bias in the article.
    • ']lapses and inaction before the mass killing[', 'failed to act upon warning signs'
      • Lt. Gen. Jody J. Daniels deems Card's exposure to blasts as 'relatively minor'
        • ]The Army disciplined three officers for inaction and administrative failures before military reservist Robert Card killed 18 people last year in Maine[
        • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication
        • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication

        98%

        The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
        (Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

        A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

        3 Army Reserve officers disciplined after reservist killed 18 in Maine

        Army Times David Sharp Tuesday, 23 July 2024 14:49
        • Unique Points
          • Three Army Reserve officers were disciplined for dereliction of duty in relation to the Maine shooting incident.
          • , The Army report cited communication failures and delays between military and civilian hospitals, as well as failures in the Reserve unit’s leadership.
          • Sgt. 1st Class Robert Card exhibited paranoid and delusional behavior before the shooting, making alarming statements such as having a ‘hit list’ and expressing homicidal ideations.
          • Card had previously fallen from a ladder, which may have contributed to head injuries discovered in a post-mortem examination.
          • The shootings occurred at a bowling alley and bar in Lewiston on October 25, 2023, resulting in the deaths of 18 people and injuries to over 130 others.
          • An independent commission is also conducting its own investigation into the tragedy. Its report is expected to be completed later this summer.
          • The Army report recommends procedural changes and new policies to better manage reservists’ mental health, including a review of the U.S. Army Reserve’s behavioral health force structure and comprehensive behavioral health retraining across the entire U.S. Army Reserve.
        • Accuracy
          • ,
          • The Army report cited communication failures and delays between military and civilian hospitals, as well as failures in the Reserve unit’s leadership.
          • Card’s ex-wife and son reported concerns about his paranoia and erratic behavior to police in May 2023, two months before fellow reservists encountered him in New York.
          • Card was taken to an Army hospital for evaluation after concerns over his behavior and attempting to attack a fellow reservist. He was then transferred to a private psychiatric hospital for treatment.
          • The report faulted the Army Reserve Psychological Health Program for failing to fully review Card’s medical charts before dismissing the case due to his refusal to cooperate.
          • An Army nurse practitioner recommended that Card’s weapons be removed, but officers mistakenly thought they had no options and relied on his family. The same nurse practitioner concluded New York’s red flag law couldn’t be applied as it only applied to New Yorkers.
          • A reservist reported in September that he believed Card was going to ‘snap and do a mass shooting’, prompting an attempt by a Maine deputy to check on Card at his home. However, the deputy declined to initiate proceedings under Maine’s yellow flag law when Card refused to answer the door.
        • Deception (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication
        • Fallacies (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication
        • Bias (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication
        • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication
        • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication

        97%

        The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
        (Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

        A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

        Army investigation reveals series of failures ahead of Maine mass shooting carried out by reservist

        CNN News Site: In-Depth Reporting and Analysis with Some Financial Conflicts and Sensational Language Haley Britzky Tuesday, 23 July 2024 14:02
        • Unique Points
          • US Army investigation found series of communication failures between Card's military chain of command, civilian law enforcement and medical providers prior to the mass shooting in Lewiston, Maine.
          • Sgt. 1st Class Robert Card's discharge documents with critical mental health information were not uploaded to the military medical system for over two weeks after he left military and civilian health facilities.
          • Card had expressed homicidal ideations, appeared resistant to psychoeducation, and blamed others for his behavior according to his discharge summary.
          • Colleagues, friends, and family voiced concerns over Card’s mental health and believed he was going to hurt others months before the shooting.
          • Card's best friend warned unit leadership about his potential for a mass shooting in a text message a month before the incident.
        • Accuracy
          • Sgt. 1st Class Robert Card had expressed homicidal ideations, appeared resistant to psychoeducation, and blamed others for his behavior according to his discharge summary.
          • Card shoved another reservist during a training exercise in New York in July 2023 and was put in the Four Winds psychiatric hospital for two weeks.
          • Staff at the Four Winds Hospital did not notify the military for eight days after Card’s release.
        • Deception (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication
        • Fallacies (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication
        • Bias (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication
        • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication
        • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication