Families of the victims in Maine’s largest mass shooting have initiated a legal action. They are bringing litigation against the US Army. They claim the military branch was negligent in ignoring warnings regarding Robert Card’s Mental Health decline. The lawsuits stress the significance of paying attention to early warning signs.
Legal Action Initiated
More than 100 survivors and relatives of the victims have filed lawsuits against the US Army and a medical facility, claiming that their negligence contributed to the tragic shooting in Maine. They claim that these institutions ignored clear warnings about Army Reservist Robert Card’s deteriorating mental health, resulting in the shooting on October 25, 2023, that killed 18 people and injured 13. Before suing federal government entities, you must follow these legal steps.
Families claim that Robert Card displayed symptoms of paranoia, delusions, and homicidal thoughts that were ignored. The Army was reportedly aware of his mental health issues, but critical recommendations to limit his access to firearms were rejected. As a result, the victims and their families suffered greatly as a result of the alleged oversight.
100 Survivors And Family Members Of 2023 Maine Mass Shooting To Sue Army https://t.co/hZHnoshNvN #OAN
— One America News (@OANN) October 15, 2024
Ignored Signs
Lawyers assert that the incident exposed multiple failings within the system that could have prevented the tragic event. According to them, “It is difficult to conceive of a case in which Army personnel could have more warning signs and opportunities to intervene.” The claims emphasize the Army’s alleged failure to act on these warning signs, neglecting recommendations and protocols that might have averted this disaster.
“As terrible as the shooting was, it’s even more tragic that there were many opportunities to prevent this,” said Cynthia Young, whose loved ones were among the victims.
Reports indicate possible lapses on the part of the military, law enforcement, and medical staff. These potential oversights underscore missed opportunities to address Card’s mental health concerns or confiscate firearms under Maine’s yellow flag law. An internal military report further criticized the failure to follow procedures post an incident that led to Card’s hospitalization.
Maine Mass Shooting Victims Take First Step Toward Suing The U.S. Army | Twin Cities News Talk https://t.co/vGdel9DE1v pic.twitter.com/oHQG39ZeYh
— Twin Cities News/Talk (@TCNewsTalk) October 15, 2024
Formal Proceedings and Accountability
This legal challenge is in its early stages, with formal proceedings moving forward once the Army responds within the six-month timeframe. The lawsuits seek accountability from the Department of Defense, the U.S. Army, and Keller Hospital for allegedly unreasonable actions and policy violations. These actions aim to bring justice for the victims, endeavoring to bridge gaps in the system that could prevent future tragedies.
“As terrible as the shooting was, it’s even more tragic that there were many opportunities to prevent this,” said Young.
The filed claims highlight the increasing necessity for authorities to heed and respond to warning signs to avert such devastating events. Families continue to express their struggles with the aftermath of the incident, reinforcing the urgency of preventative measures to stem the tide of mass violence in America.
Sources:
Survivors and relatives in Maine’s deadliest shooting start the process of suing the Army
Families of Maine Shooting Victims to Sue Army Over Missed Warnings
