Families of the victims of last year’s tragic mass shooting in Lewiston, Maine, are preparing to file negligence claims against the federal government, asserting that warning signs about the gunman were ignored before the deadly rampage that claimed 18 lives. The families, representing some of the victims killed at a local bar and bowling alley, spoke publicly on Tuesday, announcing their intent to pursue legal action against the U.S. Department of Defense, the U.S. Army, and Keller Army Community Hospital at West Point.
Lawyers representing the families revealed that four different law firms are collaborating to represent over 100 individuals affected by the tragedy. They argue that Robert Card, the gunman responsible for the attack, exhibited clear warning signs of violence before the massacre, but those in a position to act — particularly within the military — failed to intervene. Card, an Army reservist, had previously displayed alarming behavior, and the families believe that the Defense Department and the Keller Army Community Hospital, where he was treated, should have taken stronger steps to prevent the incident.
“The system failed these families,” one attorney said during the press conference. “Robert Card exhibited a series of red flags, and the authorities responsible for his supervision did nothing to prevent this tragedy.”
The families have given the government six months to investigate their negligence claims. If the government refuses to act or denies the claims, the families plan to file lawsuits in federal court. The legal teams have emphasized that this case is not just about accountability for the government institutions involved but also about preventing future tragedies by ensuring warning signs are addressed before they escalate into violence.
One woman, speaking on behalf of the families, said, “People need to be held responsible for ignoring the warning signs that were right in front of them. This could have been prevented.” The families expressed their desire for justice not only for their lost loved ones but also to ensure that steps are taken to reform the systems that allowed such negligence to occur.
The mass shooting in Lewiston remains one of the deadliest in Maine’s history, with the community still grappling with the emotional aftermath. The gunman, Robert Card, went on a shooting spree at Schemengees Bar & Grille and Sparetime Recreation Bowling Alley, leaving 18 dead and many others wounded before taking his own life.
As the families move forward with their legal action, attention will turn to how the federal government responds to these claims. The Defense Department and Keller Army Community Hospital have yet to comment on the pending lawsuits.
