A year after the tragic mass shooting in Lewiston, Maine, where Army reservist Robert Card took the lives of 18 people and injured 13 others, his family is on a mission to shed light on the impact of traumatic brain injuries. Card, a firearms and hand grenade instructor, had a history of documented mental health issues before he carried out the deadly attack on a bowling alley and a bar and grill using a Ruger SFAR on Oct. 25, 2023. He was later found with a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head.
Key Takeaways
- The Herling family is advocating for increased research on traumatic brain injuries in military personnel.
- Robert Card's mental health struggles were known to his family and authorities prior to the shooting.
- The family is launching a nonprofit organization to raise awareness about brain injuries.
Background of the Incident
On the evening of October 25, 2023, Lewiston was rocked by a mass shooting that left 18 dead and 13 injured. The attack occurred at a bowling alley hosting a youth night and a bar where deaf individuals were playing cornhole. In the aftermath, Card's family faced the daunting task of understanding the motivations behind his actions.
Family's Advocacy
In the wake of the tragedy, Nicole Herling, Card's sister, expressed the family's determination to prevent similar incidents. "We want to make sure this doesn't ever, ever happen again to another family," she stated. The Herlings have been vocal about their efforts to alert authorities regarding Card's mental health struggles leading up to the massacre.
Despite their attempts to seek help by contacting a veterans' crisis hotline and Card's military base, the tragedy unfolded. Law enforcement had even visited Card's residence a month before the shooting following concerns raised by his family, but no contact was made.
Findings on Brain Injury
Post-incident research on Card's brain revealed severe traumatic brain injuries, likely stemming from his role as a hand-grenade instructor and exposure to numerous explosions throughout his career. During a legislative hearing in May, it was revealed that a fellow Army reservist had warned superiors about Card's potential for violence a month before the shooting, citing concerns of a mass shooting.
New Initiatives
In response to their personal tragedy, the Herlings are establishing a nonprofit organization, Rising Over Brokenness, to educate the public about the risks associated with brain injuries. The U.S. Department of Defense recently announced the Warfighter Brain Health Initiative, aimed at promoting brain health and addressing traumatic brain injuries among service members.
Legal Actions
Families of the victims and survivors of the mass shooting have initiated legal action against the Department of Defense, the Army, and Keller Army Community Hospital for alleged negligence in responding to warning signs and threats made by Card prior to the tragic event. The Herlings have memorialized the victims of the shooting by displaying their names on their property, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging the pain caused by such acts of violence.
The Herlings acknowledge that everyone, from their family to the Army to local law enforcement, had a responsibility to ensure Card's firearms were removed from his home as they grew increasingly concerned he might hurt himself or others.
As the community continues to heal, the Herlings' advocacy serves as a reminder of the importance of mental health awareness and the need for ongoing research into traumatic brain injuries among military personnel.
