Army Investigation Reveals Failures in Card Case

An internal U.S. Army investigation into the actions leading up to the Lewiston mass shooting by Army Reservist Robert Card revealed significant procedural failures and communication breakdowns within the military and between civilian health providers. The 115-page report identified that Card's mental health issues were not adequately communicated across the chain of command, contributing to the tragedy where he killed 18 people. As a result, three Army Reserve officers were disciplined for dereliction of duty, reflecting serious lapses in protocol and oversight. Family and friends had raised concerns about Card’s deteriorating mental health months before the shooting, yet critical information regarding his care was not shared effectively. The investigation highlighted that Card's case was mishandled and that he was not compelled to undergo treatment or relinquish his firearms due to his reservist status. Lt. Gen. Jody Daniels emphasized the need for improvements to prevent future incidents, acknowledging the missed opportunities to intervene in Card's escalating paranoia and delusional behavior.