Story perspectives

Victims Sue U.S. Over Military Negligence in Mass Shooting

9/3/2025

Summary

Story summary

A lawsuit has been filed by 100 survivors and victims' families against the U.S. government for military negligence in the Lewiston, Maine mass shooting.
Lawyers argue the Army overlooked warnings regarding shooter Robert Card's mental health and violent threats.
The lawsuit labels the incident as “one of the most preventable mass tragedies in American history.”
A state commission found that local police and the Army did not address concerns about Card, enabling him to retain his weapons.
Survivors stress the importance of accountability, citing military inaction as a factor in the tragedy.

History

Historical Context

The 1999 Columbine High School shooting intensified scrutiny over U.S. gun laws and mental health evaluations, following the 1993 Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act aimed at restricting firearm access. The recent Lewiston shooting on October 25, 2023, which killed 18, highlights ongoing debates about military accountability and gun control, as survivors allege the Army overlooked Robert Card's mental health issues, allowing him to possess firearms.

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Story summary

A lawsuit has been filed by 100 survivors and victims' families against the U.S. government for military negligence in the Lewiston, Maine mass shooting.
Lawyers argue the Army overlooked warnings regarding shooter Robert Card's mental health and violent threats.
The lawsuit labels the incident as “one of the most preventable mass tragedies in American history.”
A state commission found that local police and the Army did not address concerns about Card, enabling him to retain his weapons.
Survivors stress the importance of accountability, citing military inaction as a factor in the tragedy.

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