Maine Shooting Spurs Lawsuit Against U.S. Army

In the wake of the Lewiston, Maine mass shooting that left 18 dead on October 25, 2023, significant scrutiny has been placed on the response of law enforcement and the U.S. Army's prior handling of the gunman, Army Reservist Robert Card. An independent review revealed flaws in the police response, such as poor communication and delayed establishment of a tactical command center, while a military investigation highlighted lapses in monitoring Card's mental health and access to firearms. Families of the victims have initiated legal proceedings against the U.S. Army, claiming negligence for ignoring warning signs and failing to prevent Card's access to weapons, despite knowing his mental instability. This lawsuit is similar to the one filed after the Sutherland Springs shooting, where the military was found liable for not flagging the gunman in a background check. Meanwhile, Maine State Police are using the reviews' findings to improve future responses.