Army acknowledges lapses, inaction before mass killing in Maine

An Army investigation into the 2023 Maine mass shooting by reservist Robert Card found inaction by his officers but no link to his military work. Despite warnings of Card's mental health issues, his commanders failed to report threats of violence, understand their authority to gather medical information, or request safeguarding of weapons. Card exhibited warning signs months before the shooting, including hospitalization and talk of a "hit list," but was deemed a low risk and released without military consultation. Multiple communication failures between hospitals and the chain of command hindered continuity of care. Local law enforcement also could have intervened after an assault incident, but a unit member downplayed the threat, and a welfare check was not meaningful. The report concludes that if law enforcement had been more proactive, the tragedy may have been prevented. The Army disciplined three officers for administrative failures but found no evidence connecting the violence to Card's military job, although his exposure to grenade blasts may have contributed to his mental health decline. The hospital that discharged Card is facing scrutiny for its decision and lack of cooperation with investigators.