Lewiston shooting relatives start process of suing federal government

Family members of victims and survivors of the deadliest mass shooting in Maine’s history plan to sue the federal government . It’s over what they said was a failure to recognize warning signs regarding the gunman.

Lawyers from four firms jointly representing 100 people filed a claim Tuesday, Oct. 15, that said the Army and an Army hospital failed to stop a reservist, Robert Card, from carrying out the shooting.

The claim stated the Army and Army hospital were aware of his mental health issues. In October 2023, 18 people were killed and 13 others were hurt when Card opened fire at two locations in Lewiston.

The shooting led to a massive manhunt for Card. He was found dead two days later with a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The notice of the claim is the first step in the litigation process when suing the federal government.

An independent commission appointed by Maine Gov. Janet Mills, D, said that there were several opportunities for civilian law enforcement and the Army to intervene on Card’s mental health.

The claims state the Army knew about Card’s paranoia and homicidal ideations after he produced a “hit list.”

The claims also said that in September 2023, Card threatened to “shoot up” an armory and the Army failed to provide information about two doctors recommending that Card not have access to weapons.

The Army has six months to determine whether to respond, then a lawsuit may be filed.

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