- New York law disarm reservist Maine shooting
- Army official reservist disarm Maine shooting
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Accident – Death – Obituary News :
AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — The Army faced obstacles in disarming a reservist experiencing a mental health crisis before a tragic mass shooting in Maine due to jurisdictional limitations, according to testimony provided to an independent commission.
Major Matthew Dickison revealed that Robert Card, who was showing signs of psychosis and paranoia in July 2023, was deemed unfit for duty and a danger to himself and others during an evaluation at an Army hospital. Dickison recommended that Card be kept away from firearms, but he was surprised when Card was released from a private psychiatric hospital two weeks later.
Tragically, months later in Maine, Card carried out a mass shooting that resulted in the loss of 18 lives in October, marking the deadliest mass shooting in the state’s history. Card took his own life, with his body being discovered two days later.
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Challenges with Red Flag Law
Dickison informed the commission that he attempted to invoke New York’s SAFE Act to temporarily seize Card’s weapons, but he encountered difficulties as the law only applied to New York residents. Card, a resident of Bowdoin, Maine, was undergoing training in New York when concerns were raised by his fellow reservists.
Meanwhile, a civilian Army medical contractor, Patricia Moloney, failed to appear before the commission, citing concerns over a potential medical malpractice claim. The commission, which is investigating the circumstances surrounding the mass shooting, expressed disappointment at Moloney’s absence.
Efforts to Prevent Tragedy
Dickison, a psychiatric nurse practitioner, shared his recommendations with Card’s Army Reserve unit leader, Capt. Jeremy Reamer, following Card’s hospitalization. These recommendations included confiscating Card’s personal firearms, ensuring his attendance at healthcare appointments, and adherence to prescribed medication.
The commission highlighted the importance of red flag laws in addressing individuals in psychiatric crises, emphasizing the need for proactive measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future. In an interim report issued in March, the commission stressed the importance of law enforcement intervention to safeguard individuals and communities.
Law Enforcement Response
Law enforcement officials in Maine testified that Card’s family had agreed to remove his firearms, but the commission criticized the reliance on the family for such actions, stating that it was a failure of law enforcement responsibility. The commission called for stronger enforcement of red flag laws and increased collaboration between agencies to prevent similar incidents.
The tragic events in Maine serve as a stark reminder of the importance of mental health support and intervention in preventing acts of violence. The commission continues its investigations to identify gaps in the system and recommend measures to enhance public safety.
The Associated Press
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“New York law reservist disarm”
“Maine shooting Army official”.
