Full Breakdown
Lawsuit Filed by Sister of Lewiston Mass Shooting Victim Against U.S. Government
4/9/2026, 10:46:47 PM
Overview of the Incident
On October 25, 2023, a mass shooting in Lewiston, Maine, resulted in the deaths of 18 individuals and injuries to 13 others. The shooter, Robert Card, a U.S. Army reservist, opened fire at Just-In-Time Recreation, a bowling alley, and a nearby bar. Among the victims was Tricia Asselin, whose sister, Bobbi Nichols, witnessed the tragic event and is now suing the U.S. government for negligence.
Allegations Against the U.S. Army
Bobbi Nichols filed her lawsuit in U.S. District Court in Maine, asserting that the U.S. Army was aware of Card's deteriorating mental health and potential for violence prior to the shooting. Nichols claims that the Army failed to adhere to mandatory intervention policies, which could have prevented the tragedy. Her attorney, Jeffrey Bennett, emphasized that Nichols seeks accountability to ensure similar incidents do not occur in the future.
Nichols's lawsuit details her traumatic experience during the shooting, where she not only witnessed her sister's death but also had another victim collapse on her, bleeding out. Since that night, Nichols has reported severe emotional and psychological distress, including anxiety and an inability to engage in normal activities.
Background on Robert Card's Mental Health
Prior to the shooting, Card had exhibited concerning behavior. In July 2023, during an Army Reserve training session, he made alarming statements about his capability for violence, which led to a referral for behavioral health services. He was admitted to Four Winds Psychiatric Hospital for 20 days, where staff discovered he had a "hit list." Although he was discharged and placed on a behavioral health profile restricting his access to military weapons, he was later reported making threatening comments about harming others.
Despite these warnings, the Army's response was deemed inadequate. A fellow reservist reported Card's threats to his commanders, who coordinated with local law enforcement for a welfare check, but they were unable to contact him.
Broader Legal Context
Nichols's lawsuit is part of a larger legal landscape surrounding the Lewiston shooting. In September 2025, a group of 109 survivors and family members filed a federal lawsuit against the U.S. Army, the Department of Defense (DOD), and Keller Army Community Hospital, alleging negligence in managing military personnel with mental health issues. This group’s lawsuit claims that the Army ignored its own policies regarding firearms access for individuals with mental illness.
The DOD Office of the Inspector General acknowledged failures in the Army's response leading up to the shooting, which has been incorporated into both lawsuits. However, the U.S. Department of Justice has filed motions to dismiss these lawsuits, arguing that the government cannot be held liable for the actions of an individual reservist.
Official Statements & Responses
Nichols's attorney stated, "Unless there's accountability and a change, it's guaranteed to happen again." The DOD has not publicly commented on Nichols's specific lawsuit, but the DOJ has characterized the shooting as a tragedy while asserting that the government cannot be legally responsible for the gunman's actions.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While the lawsuits highlight systemic issues within the Army regarding mental health management, the DOJ maintains that the decisions made regarding Card's supervision and medical care fall under protected federal judgment calls. This presents a legal conflict regarding the extent of government liability in such cases.
Verbatim Quotes
- “There's no question that they're preventable.” — Jeffrey Bennett, Attorney for Bobbi Nichols
- “She suffers daily, she suffers severe pain and anxiety, and at times she is unable to leave her home,” — Jeffrey Bennett
- “Bobby brought this case for two reasons,” — Jeffrey Bennett
- “UNLESS THERE'S ACCOUNTABILITY AND A CHANGE, IT'S GUARANTEED TO HAPPEN AGAIN.” — Jeffrey Bennett
