Washington: A coalition of 100 survivors and families of victims from the tragic October 25, 2023, mass shooting in Lewiston, Maine, has initiated legal action against the U.S. government. The lawsuit, lodged in federal court in Portland, accuses the U.S. Army, the Department of Defense, and a New York Army hospital of negligence in their handling of Army Reserve Sergeant Robert Card. Card, a 20-year veteran and West Point firearms instructor, opened fire at a bowling alley and a restaurant, resulting in 18 fatalities and 13 injuries. He was found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound two days later.
The plaintiffs assert that military officials were aware of Card's severe mental health issues, including paranoia and violent tendencies, as early as March 2023. Despite this knowledge, the lawsuit claims that the Army failed to confiscate his firearms or act on his explicit threats of mass violence, including a warning about attacking a military center. Furthermore, after an involuntary psychiatric evaluation at Keller Army Community Hospital, where Card was deemed a danger to others, he was discharged without appropriate follow-up care.
Cynthia Young, who lost both her husband and son in the attack, expressed profound grief, stating, "We trusted those in power to protect our loved ones, and their inaction cost us everything." The lawsuit seeks damages for emotional distress, medical and funeral expenses, and pain and suffering.
In response, the Army and the Department of Defense have declined to comment, citing the ongoing litigation. The case underscores the broader concerns regarding the military's handling of service members with mental health issues and the potential risks posed to the public when such concerns are not adequately addressed.