A commission investigating the tragic mass shooting that occurred in Lewiston, Maine, in October focused on Army Reserve colleagues of the gunman, Robert R. Card Jr., during a hearing held on Thursday. The panel pressed the reservists for answers regarding their actions, or lack thereof, in preventing Card from carrying out the rampage that resulted in the loss of 18 lives. The hearing brought some of the most detailed accounts to light, shedding new information on the events leading up to the devastating shooting.

The commission delved deep into moments where military supervisors failed to act on the concerning behavior and threats displayed by Card, despite being aware of his access to weapons. The aim was to hold those responsible accountable among the various law enforcement agencies and military personnel who had expressed concerns about Card’s deteriorating mental state in the months prior to the shooting.

One of the key issues raised during the hearing was the reliance on Card’s family to secure his firearms, following a failed attempt by the local sheriff’s office to check on his well-being in September. Army Reserve Capt. Jeremy Reamer, who was involved in responding to Card’s worrisome behavior, defended the plan, stating that it was a viable solution based on his experience.

The night of October 25th marked the tragic events where Card, a 40-year-old Army Reserve grenade instructor, carried out the shooting at two popular locations in Lewiston. A two-day manhunt ensued, culminating in Card being found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

The hearing did not touch upon an autopsy report released recently, which detailed significant brain damage found in Card. Researchers from Boston University discovered trauma similar to that seen in veterans exposed to blasts, shedding light on the impact of Card’s military training on his mental health.

Card’s family released the autopsy findings to the public, alongside an apology to the victims’ families. His sister, Nicole Herling, expressed forgiveness towards her brother, attributing his actions partially to the blast exposure and resulting trauma.

Throughout previous sessions, the commission heard testimonies from various law enforcement agencies and family members of the victims, all grappling with the question of how Card managed to retain possession of his weapons despite being identified as a threat.

The commission, which has been meeting since January and plans to release an interim report later this month, focused on the witnesses’ failures to follow up on Card’s mental health post his release from a psychiatric hospital. The panel also scrutinized missed opportunities and lapses in intervention in dealing with Card’s escalating behavior.

One witness, Army Reserve First Sgt. Kelvin Mote, recounted an unnerving encounter with Card, describing a moment where Card had a distant stare that raised alarms. Mote successfully advocated for Card’s admission to a psychiatric hospital in New York in July but struggled to follow up post his release.

The questioning during the hearing highlighted the gaps in communication and follow-up procedures within the Army Reserves, underscoring the need for a more robust system to address mental health concerns among its members.

The commission’s efforts seek to bring closure to the families of the victims and shed light on the series of events that led to the tragic shooting in Lewiston. Through meticulous investigation and testimonies, the panel aims to prevent such incidents in the future while holding accountable those responsible for the oversights that allowed the shooting to occur.

In conclusion, the Lewiston shooting panel’s relentless pursuit of the truth and accountability is crucial in understanding the circumstances surrounding the tragic event and ensuring that necessary measures are in place to prevent similar tragedies from happening again.