The parents of survivors and victims from Maine’s deadliest mass shooting are suing the federal government, alleging negligence by the U.S. Army in preventing the tragedy. The attack in October 2023 resulted in 18 deaths when Robert Card opened fire in public locations. An independent committee found multiple intervention opportunities that were missed as Card’s mental health declined, leading to his suicide days later.
Filed on behalf of over 100 families, the lawsuit claims the Army failed to act on their knowledge of Card’s deteriorating mental state and access to firearms, despite promising to remove his weapons. It states that the Army misled local law enforcement, hindering efforts to intervene. Card had exhibited delusional and violent behavior prior to the shooting, even creating a “hit list.”
Army investigations acknowledged failures at multiple leadership levels, resulting in discipline for some personnel. The shooting prompted new gun laws in Maine, which remain controversial. The Department of Defense has declined to comment on the ongoing lawsuit.
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