US Victims of Mass Shooting in Maine and Family Members File Lawsuit Against Federal Government Accusing Negligence
In October 2023, a tragic mass shooting occurred in Maine, claiming the lives of 18 individuals in a bowling alley and a bar and grill. The aftermath of this devastating event has led to a significant legal action against the US Army.
Robert Card, the shooter, was hospitalized by the Army during training in July 2023. However, it was alleged that no one ensured he was taking his medication or complying with follow-up care at home. Family members and fellow reservists stated that Card exhibited delusional and paranoid behaviour before the shootings.
The Army was aware of Card's mental health issues, paranoia, delusions, violence, and lack of impulse control. Yet, they did not remove his access to firearms. The lawsuit accuses the US Army of negligence and failing to act reasonably, claiming that they could and should have prevented the mass shooting.
The Army's investigation found a series of failures by unit leadership, leading to the disciplining of three Army Reserve leaders for dereliction of duty. The Army also allegedly withheld information from local law enforcement, preventing them from intervening.
The legal action on gun rights remains a contentious topic nearly two years after the shootings. The new gun laws enacted in Maine following the shootings have since been the subject of legal action by gun rights advocates.
The lawsuit, filed in federal court on behalf of more than 100 survivors and victims' family members, alleges that the US government failed to act reasonably and is responsible for the tragedy. A fellow reservist warned in a September text that Card might perform a mass shooting.
The news conference providing more details about the lawsuit will take place in Lewiston, Maine. The survivors and relatives of victims are suing the federal government, seeking justice for their lost loved ones.
The governor's commission released its final report last August, and the Army stated its commitment to implementing changes to prevent recurring tragedies. The Army has also committed to reviewing the findings and implementing changes to prevent similar tragedies.
The shootings led to new gun laws in a state with a long tradition of hunting and gun ownership. However, the focus remains on the alleged negligence of the US Army in this tragic event. The Army's response and the outcome of the lawsuit will undoubtedly have far-reaching implications for military protocol and mental health care.
