LEWISTON, Maine — A year after a tragic mass shooting that shocked the community, the family of the Army reservist responsible for the deadly rampage continues to grapple with the aftermath. Eighteen individuals lost their lives on the evening of Oct. 25, 2023, at a bowling alley hosting a youth night and a bar where deaf individuals were enjoying a game of cornhole in Lewiston, Maine.
In the wake of the heartbreaking events, the gunman’s family has chosen to speak out publicly, shedding light on traumatic brain injuries among military personnel and advocating for further research in the field. Nicole Herling, the sister of the shooter, Robert Card, emphasized the importance of preventing such tragedies from occurring again in the future.
Despite being a firearms and hand grenade instructor in the Army Reserve, Card was found dead by suicide after a two-day manhunt. His family had attempted to seek help for him in the months leading up to the shooting, reaching out to a veterans crisis hotline and his military base due to his erratic behavior and reported hallucinations. Card also exhibited symptoms of traumatic brain injury, which researchers later confirmed through a postmortem study of his brain conducted by the Boston University CTE Center.
The findings of Card’s brain examination highlighted the impact of blast injuries on his condition, shedding light on the effects of repetitive low-level blasts that he experienced throughout his military career. The family members pointed out that while a brain injury doesn’t excuse his actions, it does provide insight into potential contributing factors.
As investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding the shooting, the Army released a report acknowledging multiple errors in handling Card in the period leading up to the tragic events. Despite the Army’s denial of a direct link between Card’s military service and his brain injury, new guidance has been introduced to minimize blast exposure among service members to prevent similar incidents in the future.
In response to the tragedy, the Herlings have launched a non-profit organization, Rising Over Brokenness, dedicated to raising awareness about mental health and brain injuries within the military community. Their efforts are geared towards turning their personal tragedy into a meaningful mission that advocates for better support and resources for service members facing similar challenges.
As legal action looms against the Defense Department, the Army, and an Army hospital for alleged negligence in responding to warning signs, the survivors and families of victims seek justice and accountability for the lives lost in the shooting. The community continues to mourn the loss of those impacted by the tragedy, acknowledging the profound impact it has had on families and the community at large.
Reflecting on the past year, the Herlings and other families affected by the shooting continue to honor the memory of the victims while advocating for greater awareness and support for those struggling with mental health issues and brain injuries within the military. Their resilience and determination to transform tragedy into positive change serve as a testament to their unwavering commitment to ensuring that similar incidents are prevented in the future.
