Police Received Warning Signs About Maine Shooter Last Month

In a shocking revelation, it has been reported that the police in Maine were alerted to "veiled threats" by Robert Card, a U.S. Army reservist who later carried out the worst mass shooting in the state's history. This is one of several missed red flags preceding the massacre.

According to local law enforcement chiefs, an awareness alert was sent statewide in mid-September warning about Card after he made threats against his base and fellow soldiers. Despite increased patrols around the base and a visit to Card's home which yielded no results, authorities moved on. Jack Clements, Saco’s police chief stated they added extra patrols for about two weeks but never encountered Card.

Lack of Follow-up

Sagadahoc County Sheriff Joel Merry whose jurisdiction includes Card's home reported that his department was tipped off by the Army Reserve regarding threats made by Card. However, they were unable to locate him during a welfare check at his residence. The sheriff could not recall if there was any follow-up as he did not have any reports available for review at that time.

The Incident

Card reportedly opened fire with a high-powered rifle at a bowling alley and then at a bar in Lewiston killing 18 people and wounding 13 more before taking his own life following an intensive two-day manhunt. His case poses numerous unanswered questions about what measures could have been taken by military officials, police officers, mental health professionals and family members to prevent this tragedy from happening.

Maine’s "Yellow-flag" Law

Maine does not have a red flag law but it does possess a limited "yellow-flag" law allowing police to petition judges for removal of firearms from individuals deemed threatening by medical practitioners. Saco Police Chief Clements defended his department's response to the alert about Card, stating that they receive many such alerts and gave this one due attention.

Card’s Interaction with New York State Police

The New York State Police also had an encounter with Card in July when they were called by commanders of the Army Reserves over concerns about Card's erratic behavior and threats towards other members of his military unit. He was then taken for a two-week mental health evaluation at Keller Army Community Hospital at West Point. The actions taken by the state police regarding Card’s threats remain unclear.

Unanswered Questions

Jody Madeira, an Indiana University law professor opined that someone dropped the ball as Card’s threats and medical evaluation should have triggered a yellow flag seizure of his guns upon returning home. She stated, "He slipped through the cracks. There were warning signs." This incident raises serious questions on how effectively authorities respond to potential threat alerts and whether more stringent laws need to be put in place for better prevention of such incidents in future.

In conclusion, Robert Card's case serves as a stark reminder of missed opportunities for intervention which could potentially have prevented a tragic loss of life. It underscores the importance of effective communication between different law enforcement agencies and proper follow-up on reported threats. As investigations continue into this horrific incident, it is hoped that lessons will be learned to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in future.