Maine Shooting Survivors, Family Members File Notices of Claim

Maine Shooting Survivors, Family Members File Notices of Claim

Survivors and families of victims from Maine’s deadliest mass shooting are taking legal action against the U.S. Army, claiming negligence in preventing the tragedy.

At a Glance

  • 100 survivors and relatives of victims are moving to sue the U.S. Army for failing to prevent the Lewiston mass shooting.
  • The Army allegedly knew of the shooter’s mental health issues but failed to act.
  • Robert Card killed 18 people and injured 13 others before committing suicide.
  • Legal notices claim the Army had opportunities to intervene but failed to do so.
  • The lawsuit argues that mass shootings are now predictable and require proactive measures.

Legal Action Initiated Against U.S. Army

In a significant development following the tragic mass shooting in Lewiston, Maine, 100 survivors and relatives of victims have initiated legal proceedings against the U.S. Army and an Army hospital. The plaintiffs allege that these institutions failed to prevent the deadly attack carried out by Army reservist Robert Card on October 25, 2023. This mass shooting, which claimed 18 lives and left 13 others injured, stands as the deadliest in Maine’s history.

The legal notices, a preliminary step in suing the federal government, argue that the Army had ample warning signs and opportunities to intervene but failed to take necessary action. The Army now has six months to respond to these claims before a formal lawsuit can be filed in federal court.

Alleged Negligence and Missed Opportunities

According to the legal filings, the Army was aware of Card’s deteriorating mental health, including paranoia, delusions, and homicidal ideations. Despite this knowledge, the plaintiffs argue that the military failed to act reasonably or follow its own policies. An independent commission found that both civilian law enforcement and the Army had opportunities to intervene but did not do so effectively.

“It is difficult to conceive of a case in which Army personnel could have more warning signs and opportunities to intervene to prevent a service member from committing a mass shooting than what happened in the case of Army Reservist Robert Card,” lawyers said in the notices.

In September 2023, Card allegedly threatened violence, and a friend warned of a potential mass shooting. However, these critical recommendations were reportedly not properly communicated or acted upon. The Army is accused of failing to provide crucial information to local law enforcement about Card’s mental health and access to weapons.

Impact on Victims’ Families

The tragedy has left an indelible mark on the Lewiston community, with families grappling with immense loss and unanswered questions. Cynthia Young, who lost both her husband and 14-year-old son in the shooting, emphasized the preventable nature of the tragedy.

“As terrible as the shooting was, it’s even more tragic that there were many opportunities to prevent this and they were not taken,” said Young.

The legal action seeks not only compensation but also accountability and systemic changes to prevent future tragedies. The plaintiffs argue that in today’s climate, mass shootings are predictable events that require proactive measures from those in positions of authority.

As the legal process unfolds, it may prompt a broader discussion on mental health support for military personnel and the protocols for intervention when red flags are raised. The outcome of this case could have far-reaching implications for how the military and other institutions handle similar situations in the future, potentially leading to more robust preventive measures against mass shootings.

Sources

  1. Survivors, relatives of dead in Lewiston, Maine, mass shooting take first step toward suing the Army
  2. Survivors and relatives in Maine’s deadliest shooting start the process of suing the Army
  3. Families of Maine Shooting Victims to Sue Army Over Missed Warnings