It is difficult to determine exactly how many mass shootings there have been in 2023 so far. Different sources have different standards for what exactly qualifies as a mass shooting, but the general consensus is that there have been over 500 in the 300 days since the year began. One of the most deadly so far was the shooting in Lewiston, Maine on October 25. 18 people were killed and 13 wounded in two locations in Lewiston and the surrounding area. A closer investigation reveals shocking negligence from local authorities. The shooter, Mr. Card, was an unemployed veteran from Saco, Maine. Many sources close to him had expressed concern to local authorities that he was suffering a mental health crisis. Mr. Card had previously been institutionalized for 14 days in a psychiatric hospital by his superiors in the military. Local police were repeatedly made aware of his mental health issues. It was reported that he had been hearing voices and was convinced that rumors were being spread about him online, and reportedly threatened violence multiple times in the months leading up to the shooting. Even with all of this evidence that Mr. Card was a danger to himself and his community, nothing was done to intervene.
Credit: AP News
This shooting also shows the dangers in loosening gun restrictions across the U.S. Because Mr. Card had been experiencing mental health episodes, there were clear legal avenues that could be taken to remove guns from his possession. A psychiatric investigation and a ruling by a local judge was all it would have taken to remove his weapons. Yet, nothing was done by his former employers, by the military, or the local police who were repeatedly warned of his threats. All of this highlights the systematic flaws in our legal system. This shooting was, without a doubt, preventable. Multiple agencies had opportunities to remove dangerous power from Mr. Card’s hands and get him the help he clearly needed. But nothing was done. This could have been pure neglect, a lack of mental health funding in local police systems, or just our failure as a nation and community to help our fellow community members. No matter what, we must use our shock and horror to reflect upon this incident and see how we can implement change to stop events like these from happening day after day. Based on previous statistics, it will likely not be long before another horrific mass shooting like this one occurs. Are we really okay with letting it happen?