Family Alerted Authorities of Army Reservist’s Mental Health Crisis Prior to Lewiston Massacre

The family of Robert Card, an Army reservist accused of fatally shooting over a dozen people in Lewiston, Maine, had previously warned authorities about his deteriorating mental health. Card, 40, began experiencing auditory hallucinations after being fitted with high-powered hearing aids a few months prior to the incident. Despite efforts by his family to reassure him that these voices were not real, Card became increasingly paranoid, believing people were speaking ill of him.

While still at large, Card is accused of killing at least 18 people and injuring many more in a bar and a bowling alley. Concerned about his mental state, especially given his role as a firearms instructor, his family had reached out to the police and his Army Reserve unit in the months leading up the tragedy.

“We take matters such as this very seriously, and our primary concern is ensuring that all legal and appropriate actions are taken in accordance with our commitment to upholding the highest standards of conduct among our Soldiers and civilian personnel.”