Family Testifies, Concerns Arise Over Military Brain Injuries

In heartfelt testimony Thursday, family members of Robert Card, the man behind two mass shootings in Lewiston, Maine, that left 18 dead, shared their insights with an independent commission investigating the tragic events of the 25 of October 2023. James Herling, Card's brother-in-law, expressed his hope that the commission will find the root of the tragedy, acknowledging that everyone from the sheriff's office to the Army and the family I could have done better.

The documents revealed that Card's family had contacted the Sagadahoc County Sheriff's Office in May 2023, expressing concerns about his mental health and access to firearms. The US military had also requested a welfare check for the card due to concerns about its security. An independent review concluded that the sheriff's office had acted reasonably, but suggested improvements to its strategy.

Card, a US Army reservist and certified firearms instructor, carried out two shootings at a Lewiston bar and bowling alley, killing 18 people and wounding 13 others with an assault rifle . After a 48-hour manhunt, Card was found dead of a self-inflicted gunshot wound near a river, approximately 10 miles from Lewiston.

The Concussion Legacy Foundation reported in March that tissue samples from Card's brain showed evidence of traumatic brain injury, suggesting he had been exposed to thousands of low-level blasts during his time at a training camp in army hand grenades. James Herling expressed hope that the commission would recommend that the Department of Defense (DOD) improve the protection of soldiers, especially when they return to civilian life.

Nicole Herling, Card's sister, testified about the difficulty of contacting Card's chain of command in the military for help when he began showing signs of mental illness. She urged that DOD's negligence regarding traumatic brain injuries be addressed and held accountable. He also stressed that while other factors contributed to Card's decline, they were no excuses for his actions. The family was shocked and in disbelief, unable to understand that Card was capable of landing so much. The Department of Defense has not yet pronounced on the matter.