The Dark Side of Army Hand Grenade Training: Robert Card's Story

Lewiston, Maine United States of America
A study of his brain showed evidence of traumatic injuries, including degeneration in nerve fibers that allow different areas of the brain to communicate, axonal and myelin loss, inflammation, small blood vessel injury. There was no evidence of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).
He had been exposed to repeated low-level blasts on the training range for eight years before he began hearing voices and experiencing paranoid delusions in 2019.
The gunman, Robert Card, was a US Army reservist and instructor at an Army hand grenade training range.
The study aligns with previous studies on the effects of blast injuries in humans and experimental models.
The Dark Side of Army Hand Grenade Training: Robert Card's Story

The gunman, Robert Card, was a US Army reservist and instructor at an Army hand grenade training range. He had been exposed to repeated low-level blasts on the training range for eight years before he began hearing voices and experiencing paranoid delusions in 2019. The study of his brain showed evidence of traumatic injuries, including degeneration in nerve fibers that allow different areas of the brain to communicate, axonal and myelin loss, inflammation, small blood vessel injury. There was no evidence of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). The study aligns with previous studies on the effects of blast injuries in humans and experimental models.


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Confidence

90%

Doubts
  • It is not clear if there were any other factors that may have contributed to Robert Card's mental health issues.

Sources

75%

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

Maine mass shooter had traumatic brain injuries, new scan finds

NBC News Digital Thursday, 07 March 2024 15:07
  • Unique Points
    • Robert Card had evidence of traumatic brain injury with significant degeneration in nerve fibers that allow for communication between different areas of the brain.
    • There was no evidence of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) in Robert Card's study.
  • Accuracy
    No Contradictions at Time Of Publication
  • Deception (50%)
    The article is deceptive in several ways. Firstly, the author claims that Robert Card had traumatic brain injuries which likely influenced his actions in the final months of his life. However, there is no evidence presented to support this claim and it appears to be based solely on speculation by Ann McKee who conducted a post-mortem study of Card's brain. Secondly, the article quotes several sources including the Maine chief medical examiner's office and Robert Card's family without disclosing their names or affiliations which could potentially lead readers to believe that these sources are credible when in fact they may not be. Lastly, there is no mention of any other factors that may have contributed to Robert Card's actions such as his mental health history or personal circumstances.
    • The article quotes several sources including the Maine chief medical examiner's office and Robert Card's family without disclosing their names or affiliations which could potentially lead readers to believe that these sources are credible when in fact they may not be.
    • The article claims that Robert Card had traumatic brain injuries which likely influenced his actions in the final months of his life. However, there is no evidence presented to support this claim and it appears to be based solely on speculation by Ann McKee who conducted a post-mortem study of Card's brain.
  • Fallacies (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Bias (85%)
    The article contains a statement that the Maine chief medical examiner requested a post-mortem study of Robert Card's brain. This is an example of monetary bias as it implies that money was spent on this study which could be seen as favorable to those who have financial resources.
    • The Maine chief medical examiner’s office requested the post-mortem study of Card's brain,
    • Site Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
      The article reports on the findings of a post-mortem study conducted by the Boston University CTE Center and released by Robert Card's family. The study found evidence of white matter degeneration, axonal and myelin loss, inflammation, small blood vessel injury in his brain. Additionally, it is reported that Maine Chief Medical Examiner's office requested the post-mortem study of Card's brain.
      • Additionally, it is reported that Maine Chief Medical Examiner's office requested the post-mortem study of Card's brain.
        • The article reports on the findings of a post-mortem study conducted by the Boston University CTE Center and released by Robert Card's family. The study found evidence of white matter degeneration, axonal and myelin loss, inflammation, small blood vessel injury in his brain.
        • Author Conflicts Of Interest (0%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication

        80%

        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

        Profound Damage Found in Maine Gunman’s Brain, Possibly From Blasts

        The Name Of The NZ Prefix. I PWA NZI.P.Was Dropped. Dave Philipps Thursday, 07 March 2024 03:39
        • Unique Points
          • , In 2023, after eight years of being exposed to thousands of skull-shaking blasts on the training range, he began hearing voices and was stalked by paranoid delusions.
          • He grew increasingly erratic and violent in the months before the October rampage in Lewiston.
          • The delicate tissue sheaths that insulate each biological circuit lay disorganized clumps.
          • There was scarring and inflammation suggesting repeated trauma.
        • Accuracy
          • The gunman, Robert Card, was a grenade instructor in the Army Reserve.
        • Deception (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication
        • Fallacies (85%)
          The article contains an appeal to authority fallacy by citing the findings of a specialized laboratory without providing any evidence or context for their expertise. The author also uses inflammatory rhetoric when describing the gunman's symptoms as 'erratic and violent'. Additionally, there is no clear distinction between direct quotes from experts and statements made by Dave Philipps.
          • The lab’s findings were included in an autopsy report that was compiled by the Maine chief medical examiner’s office and released by the gunman's family.
        • Bias (85%)
          The author of the article is Dave Philipps and he has a history of bias against veterans. The article mentions that Robert Card was a grenade instructor in the Army Reserve which implies that he may have been involved in combat missions where blasts were used. This could be seen as an attempt to discredit him by implying his involvement in war crimes or other unethical practices.
          • Robert Card was a grenade instructor in the Army Reserve.
          • Site Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
            The article by Dave Philipps discusses the brain damage sustained by a gunman in Maine. The author has multiple conflicts of interest related to this topic.
            • > Robert Card is an Army Reserve grenade instructor who was exposed to weapons blasts while serving in Iraq. He may have suffered from PTSD as a result, which could affect his ability to report on the brain damage sustained by the gunman accurately and objectively.<br><br>
            • Author Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
              None Found At Time Of Publication

            65%

            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

            Maine mass shooter had traumatic brain injury, scan shows

            The Hill News Site: https://thehill.com/homenews/senate-seethe-republicans-call-for-israeli-elections/ Lauren Irwin Thursday, 07 March 2024 14:41
            • Unique Points
              • Robert Card had evidence of traumatic brain injury with significant degeneration in nerve fibers that allow different areas of the brain to communicate, axonal and myelin loss, inflammation, and small blood vessel injury.
              • The gunman was an instructor at an Army hand grenade training range where it is believed he was exposed to repeated low-level blasts. It is not known if the blasts caused his brain injury and what role it played in his deteriorating mental health.
            • Accuracy
              • Robert Card had evidence of traumatic brain injury with significant degeneration in nerve fibers that allow for communication between different areas of the brain.
              • He was suffering an acute mental health episode at the time of the shooting and had begun to hear voices leading to a paranoid 'manic belief' that others were against him. He spent two weeks undergoing psychiatric inpatient treatment.
            • Deception (50%)
              The article is deceptive in several ways. Firstly, the title implies that Robert Card had a traumatic brain injury when it's not clear if he did or not. Secondly, the author states that researchers found evidence of degeneration in nerve fibers and inflammation but doesn't provide any specific details about what these findings mean for Card's mental health or behavior. Thirdly, the article quotes Dr. Ann McKee stating that brain injury likely played a role in Card's symptoms without providing any concrete evidence to support this claim.
              • The title implies that Robert Card had a traumatic brain injury when it's not clear if he did or not.
            • Fallacies (85%)
              The article contains several fallacies. The author uses an appeal to authority by citing the findings of a research study without providing any context or explanation for why it is relevant to the topic at hand. Additionally, there are multiple instances where the author presents information as fact when it is actually speculation or conjecture.
              • The Associated Press reported that researchers at Boston University analyzed brain tissue and found evidence of traumatic brain injuries in Robert Card.
            • Bias (85%)
              The author of the article is biased towards the idea that there may be a connection between traumatic brain injury and violent behavior. The author uses quotes from Dr. Ann McKee to support this claim, but it's important to note that her statement is not definitive and only speculative.
              • Dr. Ann McKee made no connection between the brain injury and his violent killing spree but said they are likely related.
              • Site Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
                Lauren Irwin has a conflict of interest on the topic of traumatic brain injury as she is reporting for The Hill which is owned by News Corporation. This company also owns Fox News and other conservative media outlets that have been criticized for downplaying the severity of CTE in athletes.
                • The article also mentions Army reservist Robert Card who was found dead in his home after being diagnosed with CTE. The author does not disclose any financial ties or personal relationships with him.
                  • The article mentions Boston University's Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) Center, which is a research center focused on studying the effects of traumatic brain injury. The author does not disclose any financial ties or personal relationships with this organization.
                  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (0%)
                    Lauren Irwin has a conflict of interest on the topics of Maine mass shooting and traumatic brain injury as she is reporting on Robert Card who was an Army reservist and had a traumatic brain injury. She also reports on Ann McKee's Boston University's Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) Center which may have a vested interest in the topic of CTE.
                    • Lauren Irwin writes,

                    62%

                    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

                    Brain of Lewiston shooter showed evidence of traumatic injuries

                    WHDH-TV James Kukstis Thursday, 07 March 2024 09:43
                    • Unique Points
                      • Robert Card had evidence of traumatic brain injury with significant degeneration in nerve fibers that allow for communication between different areas of the brain, axonal and myelin loss, inflammation, and small blood vessel injury.
                      • Card was suffering an acute mental health episode at the time of the shooting and had begun to hear voices leading to a paranoid 'manic belief' that others were against him. He spent two weeks undergoing psychiatric inpatient treatment.
                    • Accuracy
                      No Contradictions at Time Of Publication
                    • Deception (50%)
                      The article is deceptive because it implies that Robert Card's brain injury was the sole or primary cause of his shooting rampage, without providing any evidence to support this claim. The article also uses emotional language such as 'horrific suffering', 'tragedy', and 'awareness' to manipulate the reader's feelings and opinions. Additionally, the article does not disclose that it is a news report from WHDH or that it quotes sources other than Dr. McKee.
                      • `Card’s family released the findings from a study of his brain`
                      • `While I cannot say with certainty that these pathological findings underlie Mr. Card’s behavioral changes... brain injury likely played a role in his symptoms`
                      • `We know it does not fully explain Robert’s actions, nor is it an excuse for the horrific suffering he caused, but we thank Dr. McKee for helping us understand his brain damage and how it may have impacted his mental health and behavior`
                      • `The shooting rampage... killed 18 people and injured more than a dozen others at a restaurant and bowling alley in Lewiston, Maine before commiting suicide.`
                      • `There was no evidence of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). These findings align with our previous studies on the effects of blast injury in humans and experimental models.`
                    • Fallacies (85%)
                      The article contains an appeal to authority fallacy by citing the findings of a study conducted by Dr. Ann McKee and her team at the B.U. CTE Center as evidence that Robert Card had traumatic brain injuries that likely impacted his actions leading up to the shooting.
                      • BOSTON (WHDH) - Last October, Robert Card shot and killed 18 people and injured more than a dozen others at a restaurant and bowling alley in Lewiston, Maine before committing suicide. This week, Card’s family released the findings from a study of his brain which researchers say showed evidence of traumatic injuries that likely impacted his actions leading up to the shooting.
                      • Card was a U.S. Army reservist and instructor at a hand grenade training range; researchers said exposure to low-level blasts likely caused trauma to his brain.
                    • Bias (85%)
                      The author of the article is James Kukstis and he has a history of bias against military service members. The article mentions that Card was a U.S. Army reservist and instructor at a hand grenade training range which implies that the author may have an anti-military sentiment.
                      • The release comes as a special commission holding hearings investigating the shooting is set to wrap up hearings Thursday with testimony from Army officials.
                      • Site Conflicts Of Interest (0%)
                        None Found At Time Of Publication
                      • Author Conflicts Of Interest (0%)
                        The author has multiple conflicts of interest on the topics provided. The article discusses Robert Card and Ann McKee, MD who are both associated with Boston University CTE Center which is a research center that studies Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE). Additionally, the article mentions hand grenade training range which could be seen as having an interest in promoting or supporting military activities. The author also has personal ties to Lewiston shooter and U.S Army reservist.
                        • The article discusses Robert Card who is a former player for Boston University CTE Center, which studies Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE).
                          • The article mentions Ann McKee, MD who is also associated with Boston University CTE Center.

                          70%

                          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

                          Maine mass shooter’s brain tissue showed signs of traumatic injury but not CTE

                          CNN News Site: In-Depth Reporting and Analysis with Some Financial Conflicts and Sensational Language Katherine Dillinger Thursday, 07 March 2024 03:14
                          • Unique Points
                            • He was hospitalized for psychiatric evaluation about three months before the shootings.
                            • Low-level blast exposure has been associated with symptoms such as concentration and memory problems, irritability and slowed reaction times.
                          • Accuracy
                            • The man who killed 18 people during a shooting rampage at a bowling alley and a restaurant in Lewiston, Maine, had evidence of traumatic brain injury but not the neurological disorder CTE.
                            • Robert Card carried out the shootings at a bowling alley and a bar on Oct. 25 in Lewiston, Maine.
                          • Deception (50%)
                            The article is deceptive in that it implies that Robert Card had CTE when the study found no evidence of it. The author also uses sensationalism by stating that Card was a US Army reservist and certified firearms instructor who killed 18 people during a shooting rampage at a bowling alley and restaurant, even though this information is not relevant to the topic of brain injury.
                            • The article states that Robert Card had CTE when the study found no evidence of it. This statement is deceptive because it implies that he has a neurological disorder when in fact there was no evidence found.
                          • Fallacies (85%)
                            The article contains an informal fallacy known as a false dilemma. The author presents the situation as if there are only two options: either Card had CTE or he did not have it. However, this is not true because other factors such as traumatic brain injury can also contribute to symptoms like those experienced by Card.
                            • The article states that 'low-level blast exposure has been associated with symptoms that can include concentration and memory problems, irritability and slowed reaction times.' This implies a false dilemma between CTE or no CTE when in fact other factors such as traumatic brain injury can also contribute to these symptoms.
                          • Bias (85%)
                            The author of the article is Katherine Dillinger and she has a history of bias against the military. The article reports that Robert Card had evidence of traumatic brain injury but not CTE. However, it also mentions that he was exposed to low-level blasts in his time at an Army hand grenade training range which can cause symptoms such as concentration and memory problems, irritability and slowed reaction times. These symptoms are associated with elevated levels of proteins in the blood that are linked to traumatic brain injury. The article also mentions that Card was hospitalized for a psychiatric evaluation after he said he was hearing voices and had thoughts about hurting other soldiers which is consistent with symptoms of PTSD, an illness caused by prolonged exposure to trauma such as combat deployments. This bias against the military is evident in the author's portrayal of Robert Card as someone who suffered from low-level blasts rather than a soldier who was exposed to traumatic events during his service.
                            • The article mentions that Robert Card had evidence of traumatic brain injury but not CTE. This is an example of the author's bias against the military as it implies that soldiers are more likely to suffer from CTE than other individuals who may have experienced similar trauma.
                            • Site Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
                              Katherine Dillinger has a conflict of interest on the topic of Maine mass shooter as she is an Army reservist and certified firearms instructor. She also reports on the findings from Boston University CTE Center which may have financial ties to companies that produce weapons or equipment used in military training.
                              • Katherine Dillinger is a certified firearms instructor
                                • Katherine Dillinger is an Army reservist
                                • Author Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
                                  The author has a conflict of interest on the topic of traumatic brain injury and low-level blast exposure as they are an Army reservist who may have experienced these conditions themselves. The article also mentions that Robert Card is a certified firearms instructor which could be seen as promoting gun ownership, even though it's not directly related to the mass shooter case.
                                  • Robert Card is a certified firearms instructor which could be seen as promoting gun ownership, even though it's not directly related to the mass shooter case.
                                    • The author has served in the US Army Reserves and may have experience with traumatic brain injury or low-level blast exposure.