Lieutenant Colonel Ryan Vazquez of the US Army Reserve appeared before an investigative committee yesterday, stating that Robert Card, responsible for committing the most devastating mass murder incident ever recorded within Maine’s borders, presented himself as having minimal risk potential upon being discharged from a psychological institution just preceding these tragic events.
Additionally, according to Vazquez’ testimonial account, constraints existed regarding compelling Card into adhering strictly towards prescribed therapy regimens outside active service duties; further complicating matters, standard procedures did not provide any mechanisms allowing authorities to confiscate firearms owned privately nor facilitate their secure storage without extraordinary measures taken.
This inquiry stems directly from October 25th’s horrific event, which claimed eighteen lives across both a local bowling establishment and adjacent restaurant-bar facilities.
Several fellow reserve personnel corroborated witnessing firsthand Card’s rapidly declining emotional well-being leading to temporary institutionalized medical intervention throughout previous summertime exercises. In fact, one such witness named Sean Hodgson explicitly expressed concerns via written correspondence dated September 15, warning superior officers thusly:
“I believe he’s going to snap and do a mass shooting.”
In contrast, following discharge, evaluations categorized Card as “lower-risk” due largely to ongoing medicinal treatments necessitating strict supervision around weaponry access. However, despite receiving intelligence concerning Card threatening violence against colleagues stationed nearby at the Sacco base backdated to mid-September, Vazquez conceded facing significant hurdles in attempting disciplinary actions given Card remained off-duty status.
“If they’re not compliant with treatment, I do not have a lot of tools in my toolbox,” Vazquez identified.
A preliminary assessment published earlier in March concluded conclusively that Law Enforcement ought to have confiscated Card’s personal armory followed promptly by placing him temporarily under close surveillance roughly three-week span ahead of tragedy striking. Ultimately succumbing self-inflicted wounds post-massacre, Card met untimely demise.
Parallel investigations undertaken separately involve reviews spearheaded respectively by U.S. Army Reservists & Office Of Inspector-General, focusing specifically on related aspects contributing factors behind carnage unleashed locally. Reports detailing findings anticipate publication sometime next month, although exact dates are still uncertain. When questioned regarding anticipated timelines for forthcoming releases, Vazquez confessed uncertainty citing the absence of concrete information currently accessible.
Last week, a Senior Health Official attached to the Armed Forces emphasized additional obstacles encountered in providing healthcare services exclusively tailored to meet the unique needs exhibited among partial-service enlistees relative to regular-standing troops serving actively.
