An Army reservist and close friend of the gunman responsible for Maine’s deadliest mass shooting testified on Thursday, shedding light on his friend’s mental decline and issuing a warning a month before the tragic event unfolded. Sean Hodgson, who had known Robert Card since their time in the Army Reserve, texted leaders of their reserve unit six weeks prior to the shooting, urging them to change the passcode to the gate at their training facility and arm themselves if Card were to show up.
Hodgson recounted the incident when Card’s delusional and violent behavior escalated to the point where Card punched him in the face. Concerned for the safety of his fellow reservists, Hodgson reported the incident and expressed his belief that Card was on the verge of committing a mass shooting. However, it appears that Hodgson’s warning was not taken seriously by authorities.
The mass shooting occurred on October 25, 2022, when Card opened fire at a bowling alley and a bar in Lewiston. Card held a delusional belief that people were talking about him behind his back at these locations. Two days later, Card was found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Hodgson’s testimony revealed that several other reservists had also witnessed Card’s mental deterioration during training in the summer. This led to Card’s hospitalization for two weeks in July, following concerns raised by his relatives about his paranoia and access to firearms. The failure of authorities to remove Card’s weapons in the weeks leading up to the shooting has prompted a thorough investigation in the state, resulting in new gun safety laws being passed.
An interim report released last month by an independent commission appointed by Governor Janet Mills concluded that the Sagadahoc County sheriff’s office had probable cause, under Maine’s “yellow flag” law, to take Card into custody and seize his guns. The report also criticized the police for not following up with Hodgson regarding his warning text. A final report is expected to be released this summer.
During the testimony, Hodgson emphasized that Card had threatened multiple members of their unit with violence, and his threats and delusions were escalating. Additionally, Card had access to firearms, further raising concerns about the potential for harm.
Another reservist, Daryl Reed, corroborated Hodgson’s account, testifying that he had witnessed Card’s mental and physical decline firsthand. Reed described Card as a “normal guy” who had become increasingly paranoid, believing that others were calling him a pedophile. Reed also mentioned that Card had acquired a thermal scope with a laser range finder, which he claimed cost $10,000, and demonstrated how it could be used to detect animals, even at night.
The reservists expressed surprise when Card was released from the psychiatric hospital after only two weeks, considering the severity of his condition. Hodgson, who has been grappling with post-traumatic stress disorder and alcohol addiction, emphasized that he reported his concerns out of genuine worry for the safety of others.
Cara Cookson, director of victim services for the Maine Office of the Attorney General, also testified, describing the challenges faced in responding to the tragedy with limited resources.
As the six-month commemoration event took place in Lewiston, where several hundred people gathered to honor the 18 victims, Governor Mills acknowledged the anniversary and expressed the ongoing healing process for the community.
1 Response
It is truly heartbreaking to hear about such tragic events, especially when there were warning signs that could have potentially prevented them. In situations like these, it is crucial to prioritize mental health support and intervention.
One unique solution could be the implementation of a buddy system within the military or any organization that deals with individuals who may be at risk of mental decline. This system would pair each member with a designated buddy who would regularly check in on their mental well-being and serve as a support system.
The buddy system