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Lewiston Shooting Victims’ Families Sue Federal Government
Nearly 100 survivors and family members of victims of the tragic 2023 Lewiston, Maine, mass shooting have filed a lawsuit against the federal government. The suit alleges negligence on the part of the U.S. Army, Department of Defense, and Keller Army Community Hospital for failing to address clear warning signs exhibited by the shooter, Army Reservist Robert Card.
The lawsuit, stemming from the horrific incident that claimed 18 lives and injured many more at a bowling alley and local bar, contends that the Army was aware of Card’s deteriorating mental health, blast-induced brain injury, access to weapons, and paranoid delusions. These factors, the suit argues, presented a clear and present danger that demanded immediate intervention.
According to the 119-page filing, the Army possessed critical knowledge of the risks posed by service members experiencing mental health crises, yet failed to follow mandatory reporting systems, crisis intervention protocols, and state law procedures. The suit emphasizes that Card’s threats, including a stated intention to commit a mass shooting just weeks before the tragedy, were known to the Army but tragically disregarded.
The plaintiffs seek accountability for the Army’s alleged failure to prevent the devastating loss of life. This lawsuit follows an initial notice of intent to sue filed last October, which reportedly received no response from the government.