#United States #Federal Lawsuit #Lewiston #Lewiston Shooting #Robert Card

Lewiston Mass Shooting Lawsuit: Accountability or Inaction?

On October 25, 2023, the community of Lewiston, Maine faced an unimaginable tragedy when a mass shooting unfolded, claiming lives and forever altering the lives of countless families. Today, 100 survivors and the families of those lost in the incident are taking a significant step towards accountability by filing a federal lawsuit against the United States government.

The lawsuit centers around allegations of negligence directed at the U.S. Army, the Department of Defense, and Keller Army Community Hospital. According to claims, these institutions ignored critical warning signs regarding Army Reserve Sergeant Robert Card, the alleged perpetrator of the shooting. Just six weeks before the tragedy, Card reportedly expressed intentions to carry out a mass shooting, yet the organizations responsible for public safety failed to act on this alarming information.

Represented by four law firms, including Berman Simmons, Gideon Asen, National Trial Law, and Koskoff, Koskoff & Bieder, the plaintiffs argue that federal authorities neglected their duty to protect the community from individuals exhibiting dangerous behavior coupled with access to military-grade weaponry.

Attorney Travis Brennan from Berman Simmons emphasized the severity of the Army's inaction, stating, “The Army repeatedly broke its promise to protect the community that it pledges to defend and must be held responsible.” The evidence collected since the shooting reveals disturbing patterns of negligence, highlighting a complete failure to respond to the numerous warning signs related to Card's behavior.

As the families await answers, they express frustration over months of silence from the federal government, necessitating legal action to seek justice. Attorney Benjamin Gideon voiced the disappointment felt by many, noting, “If the Army does not accept accountability here, where it knew its soldier had severe mental illness and access to weapons, then it's hard to imagine the Army ever accepting accountability without being forced to do so in court.”

During a recent press conference, several victims' family members shared their heartbreaking experiences, underscoring the human cost of such negligence. Cynthia Young, who lost both her husband and son in the shooting, described the indescribable pain: “We trusted those in power to protect our loved ones, and their inaction cost us everything.” Her statement encapsulates the anger and sorrow shared by many of the plaintiffs.

The lawsuit was officially filed in the United States District Court for the District of Maine, marking a pivotal moment in the fight for accountability following the tragic events of that fateful day. With their voices finally heard through the legal system, the survivors and victims’ families hope to shed light on the systemic failures that allowed such a tragedy to occur and advocate for changes that could prevent similar incidents in the future. They seek not only justice but also reassurance that no other families will have to endure the agony they have faced.

In an era where mass shootings have become tragically routine in the U.S., this case calls for a critical examination of the systems in place that are meant to safeguard communities. The hope of the survivors and bereaved families is that their fight can lead to meaningful reforms that prioritize public safety and accountability, ensuring that society learns from past mistakes rather than repeating them.