Lewiston Maine Shooting Survivors Sue U.S. Government Over Army Negligence

Survivors and families of the 2023 mass shooting in Lewiston, Maine, where Army Reserve Sergeant Robert Card killed 18 people, have filed a lawsuit against the U.S. government, accusing the Army and associated institutions of negligence and failing to act despite clear warning signs of Card's deteriorating mental health and threats of violence. The lawsuit alleges that the Army was aware months prior of Card's homicidal tendencies, including a mental health evaluation revealing a hit list and threats to shoot up an army drill center, but did not remove his access to firearms or intervene effectively. Plaintiffs argue that the Army repeatedly violated its own policies and misled local law enforcement, preventing timely action that could have stopped the tragedy. An independent commission found that Card's commanding officers were aware of his alarming behavior, auditory hallucinations, and gun collection but failed to take necessary steps to mitigate the threat. The case highlights systemic failures in addressing mental health crises within the military and has coincided with a public debate in Maine over expanding "red flag" laws to better prevent access to firearms by dangerous individuals. Attorneys for the plaintiffs emphasize the need for accountability to prevent such preventable mass shootings in the future.