Lewiston, Maine Marks One Year Since Devastating Mass Shooting

On October 25, 2023, the city of Lewiston, Maine, was shaken by one of the most horrific mass shootings in the state’s history. The incident, which occurred at Just-In-Time Recreation and Schemengees Bar and Grill, resulted in the deaths of 18 people and left 13 others wounded. As the community approaches the one-year anniversary of this tragic event, it is still grappling with the aftermath and seeking ways to heal and prevent such tragedies in the future.

The gunman, identified as Robert Card, a 40-year-old Army reservist and firearms instructor, took his own life following a two-day manhunt. Card’s family has since come forward to raise awareness about traumatic brain injuries among military personnel, which they believe may have contributed to his actions. An autopsy conducted by the Boston University CTE Center revealed evidence of traumatic brain injury, likely resulting from his role as a hand grenade instructor and exposure to numerous low-level blasts during his military career.

Despite these findings, Card’s family emphasizes that traumatic brain injury does not inherently predispose someone to commit violence. Nicole Herling, Card’s sister, and her husband, James, have been vocal about ensuring that such injuries are better understood and addressed to prevent similar incidents. They have also acknowledged the pain caused by Card’s actions and honor the memory of the victims.

In response to the shooting, the U.S. Army has released a report acknowledging “multiple errors” in how Card’s unit managed him in the months leading up to the incident. The military has also announced new guidelines to reduce blast exposure for service members, including baseline cognitive assessments and enhanced protective equipment. Additionally, attorneys representing survivors and families of victims have announced plans to sue the Defense Department and the Army, alleging negligence in responding to warning signs and threats.

The community of Lewiston continues to rebuild and heal, with businesses targeted in the shooting working to move forward. Survivors like Ben Dyer, who was shot five times, are rebuilding their lives with determination and resolve. The city will mark the anniversary with reflections on the tragedy and a commitment to ensuring such an event never happens again).