An independent commission in Maine has concluded its investigation into the state’s deadliest mass shooting, which was carried out by Army reservist Robert Card on October 25, when he killed 18 people at a bowling alley and bar in Lewiston. The commission, established by Governor Janet Mills and Attorney General Aaron Frey, found that law enforcement had sufficient cause to detain Card and seize his firearms before the tragedy occurred but failed to act on it. This failure was attributed to challenges with Maine’s yellow flag law, which restricts officials’ ability to remove weapons from individuals deemed a danger to themselves or others.

The findings emerged from a thorough examination of the events leading up to the attack, including testimonies from law enforcement, survivors, victims’ families, and Card’s fellow Army Reserve members. Although there were clear warnings about Card’s mental health and violent potential, these were not adequately addressed, leading to missed opportunities to prevent the tragedy.

Families of the victims have expressed their disappointment and heartbreak over the law enforcement’s inaction. Furthermore, there are calls for the commission to explore broader issues related to gun access and the mechanisms for preventing dangerous individuals from possessing firearms.

Governor Mills has promised to review the commission’s preliminary findings and take appropriate action. The commission, chaired by Daniel Wathen, plans to complete its final report by the summer, aiming to provide comprehensive answers to the victims, their families, and the public regarding the circumstances that led to the mass shooting.