By Jeremy Redmon
Source The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The man authorities have identified as a person of interest in the mass shootings in Maine is an Army Reservist who was hospitalized for a medical evaluation in July after he acted “erratically,” according to U.S. military officials.
Sgt. 1st Class Robert R. Card II, a U.S. Army spokesman said, enlisted in December of 2002 and is a petroleum supply specialist who has not deployed for combat.
“On July 16, 2023, leaders of the Army Reserve’s 3rd Battalion, 304th Infantry Regiment, which was billeted at the Camp Smith Training Site while training at the United States Military Academy, informed garrison staff that Army Reserve Sgt. 1st Class Robert Card was behaving erratically. Out of concern for his safety, the unit requested that law enforcement be contacted,” the New York National Guard said in a statement sent to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution Thursday.
“New York State Police responded and transported Card to Keller Army Community Hospital at the United States Military Academy for medical evaluation.”
The New York State Police declined to comment, citing a continuing investigation.
The shootings Wednesday left 18 dead and 13 injured, Maine. Gov. Janet Mills said during a news briefing Thursday morning. A man shot and killed the victims at a bowling alley and restaurant in Lewiston, The Associated Press reported, and then fled, prompting a massive search by authorities and a shelter-in-place advisory. Mills said Card is considered armed and dangerous.
“This city did not deserve this terrible assault on its citizens, on its peace of mind, on its sense of security,” the governor said, according to the AP.
Card has received the Army Reserve Component Achievement, the Humanitarian Service and the National Defense Service medals and the Army Service Ribbon, a military spokesman confirmed Thursday.
President Joe Biden issued a statement about the shootings Thursday, saying “our nation is in mourning after yet another senseless and tragic mass shooting.”
“For countless Americans who have survived gun violence and been traumatized by it, a shooting such as this reopens deep and painful wounds,” Biden said. “Far too many Americans have now had a family member killed or injured as a result of gun violence. That is not normal, and we cannot accept it.”
Georgia’s politicians also weighed in. U.S. Sen. Raphael Warnock posted on the social media platform X: “Living with rampant gun violence isn’t freedom. Congress must act and stop these tragedies before they begin.”
U.S. Rep. Buddy Carter posted on X that “America is experiencing a mental health crisis that must be taken seriously.” He added: “Thank you to the brave officers who are protecting and serving the Lewiston community.”
AJC staff writer Adam Van Brimmer contributed to this report
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