New Study Reveals Brain Injuries in Maine Shooter

Researchers from Boston University have disclosed alarming findings about Robert Card, the man responsible for the tragic mass shooting in Lewiston, Maine, last year. The study, requested by Maine’s chief medical examiner and published by Card’s family along with the Concussion Legacy Foundation, revealed that Card suffered from significant traumatic brain injuries. These findings add a complex layer to understanding the factors that may have influenced his actions during his final months.

The analysis conducted by the Boston University CTE Center paints a detailed picture of the damage within Card’s brain. According to Ann McKee, the study’s lead author, there was notable degradation in the white matter of Card’s brain, areas crucial for communication between different brain regions. This damage, characterized by loss of axonal and myelin, inflammation, and injury to small blood vessels, may have stemmed from Card’s exposure to repeated blasts at an Army hand grenade training range where he worked as a firearms instructor.

The Impact on Mental Health and Behavior

The relationship between Card’s brain injuries and his mental health is a focal point of the study. In the months leading up to the mass shooting that claimed 18 lives, Card was reportedly experiencing severe mental health issues, including hearing voices and harboring a paranoid belief that he was being targeted by others. This period of acute mental distress culminated in a violent spree at a bowling alley and a bar, after which Card ended his own life during a multistate manhunt.

Card’s family has openly discussed his mental health struggles, revealing that he had been treated for a “manic belief” and hearing voices, symptoms that align with severe psychiatric conditions. Despite a two-week stint in psychiatric inpatient care, the underlying issues, potentially exacerbated by his brain injuries, led to tragic consequences.

The Family’s Response and Army’s Take on the Findings

Acknowledging the irreversible damage caused, Card’s family issued a statement expressing their sorrow and hope that sharing the findings might prevent similar future tragedies. They emphasized that while the study does not excuse Card’s actions, it provides critical insights into how traumatic brain injuries could influence behavior. This acknowledgment is a step towards understanding the complex interplay between physical brain damage and mental health crises.

The Army has also reacted to these findings, highlighting the importance of protecting soldiers from blast-induced injuries. With the Office of the Secretary of Defense and the Army revising guidelines to mitigate blast overpressure risks, there is a clear movement towards enhancing soldier safety.

As the community and the nation grapple with the aftermath of the Lewiston shooting, the spotlight on Robert Card’s brain injuries serves as a sober reminder of the need for comprehensive approaches to mental health, brain injury awareness, and firearm safety. The tragic events in Maine have opened up critical conversations about the unseen scars of trauma and the urgent need for systemic change.