Independent Commission Established to Probe Maine's Deadliest Mass Shooting Amid Concerns Over Shooter's Unchecked Mental Health Warnings

Investigation to focus on alleged gunman Robert Card, whose deteriorating mental health raised alarms prior to the shootings; Attorney General's office will fund probe with mandate to issue public findings.

Governor Janet Mills has formed an independent commission, consisting of former judges, prosecutors, and mental health professionals, to investigate the deadliest mass shooting in Maine's history that claimed 18 lives in Lewiston.
The commission’s objective is to prosecute the facts surrounding the shootings, including the months preceding them and the police response to them.
Robert Card, the alleged shooter, had previously alarmed family and fellow reservists with his deteriorating mental condition and access to firearms, but these warnings went unchecked by law enforcement.
Before the shooting, Card made a concerning remark to a co-worker, saying, “maybe you will be the ones I snap on.” However, his statement was not reported until after the mass shooting.
Despite the warnings and even after a 14-day psychiatric hospital stay, Card’s access to firearms remained unchecked. Card committed suicide shortly after the shooting spree.