Survivors and victims’ families of Maine’s October 2023 mass shooting, where 18 people were killed by Robert Card, are suing the federal government. The lawsuit alleges negligence on the part of the Army, claiming they failed to act on Card’s deteriorating mental health and history of violence. It contends that the Army had promised to remove Card’s access to firearms but did not follow through, which contributed to the tragedy deemed “one of the most preventable mass tragedies in American history.”
Card was reported to be paranoid and violent, with behavior that raised alarms among family and peers. He had been hospitalized in July 2023, yet Army officials failed to ensure ongoing care or adherence to medication once he returned home. After the shooting, an Army investigation revealed leadership failures, resulting in disciplinary actions against three Reserve leaders.
The lawsuit reflects broader issues of gun control and mental health awareness, especially after the Maine shooting led to new gun laws in a state known for its gun culture. The Pentagon has refrained from commenting on the pending legal proceedings.
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