Accident – Death – Obituary News :
AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — The Army’s attempt to use New York’s red flag law to disarm a reservist experiencing a mental health crisis before a tragic mass shooting in Maine was unsuccessful due to jurisdictional limitations, a nurse practitioner testified before an independent commission.
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Major Matthew Dickison’s Testimony
Maj. Matthew Dickison shared that in July 2023, he evaluated Robert Card at an Army hospital where Card was displaying symptoms of psychosis and paranoia. After determining that Card was unfit for duty and should not have access to firearms, Dickison was surprised when Card was discharged from a private psychiatric hospital two weeks later.
Months later, tragedy struck in Maine as Card carried out a mass shooting, resulting in the loss of 18 lives. Card later died by suicide, leaving a community in mourning.
Challenges with New York’s SAFE Act
Dickison revealed that he tried to utilise New York’s SAFE Act to temporarily seize Card’s weapons, but encountered obstacles as the law seemed to only apply to New York residents. Card, a resident of Bowdoin, Maine, was in New York for training when concerns were raised by his fellow reservists regarding his behaviour.
Witness Defies Subpoena
A civilian Army medical contractor, Patricia Moloney, declined to testify before the commission, citing concerns over a potential medical malpractice claim. The commission, tasked with investigating the circumstances surrounding the tragic events, faced setbacks due to Moloney’s absence.
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Post-Hospitalization Recommendations
Dickison provided post-hospitalization recommendations to Capt. Jeremy Reamer, including the confiscation of Card’s personal weapons and ensuring his compliance with healthcare appointments and medication. However, Reamer indicated that his authority as a commander was limited to drill periods.
Commission’s Findings
The commission delved into the implications of New York’s red flag law and Maine’s yellow flag laws, both designed to address situations where individuals in psychiatric distress pose a risk. The commission’s interim report highlighted the need for law enforcement to take proactive measures, such as seizing weapons and placing individuals in protective custody, under the yellow flag law.
While the family had agreed to remove Card’s guns, the commission criticised law enforcement for not taking more decisive action, characterising it as an “abdication of responsibility.”
Published Date
Originally Published: July 12, 2024 at 9:15 a.m.
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- New York law reservist disarm
- Army official Maine shooting Army official
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