WASHINGTON D.C. – U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King sent a letter to the Inspector General of the U.S. Department of the Army, Lieutenant General Donna W. Martin, calling for a comprehensive review of the events surrounding the Lewiston shooting on October 25, 2023.

“As we continue to grieve the needless loss of life that day, we must work to fully understand what happened—and what could have been done differently that might have prevented this tragedy—on the local, state, and federal levels,” the Senators wrote.  “Governor Janet Mills has announced the creation of an independent commission to evaluate ‘the facts of what happened on that tragic night, of the months that led up to it, and of the police response to it.’  We fully support that effort.  It is also important that we understand what occurred, or failed to occur, at the federal level, including within the Department of the Army.”

“As Congress exercises its oversight responsibilities and considers potential legislation, we request that your Office conduct a comprehensive review of the facts and events leading up to the Lewiston shooting,” the Senators continued.  “Nothing we can do will bring back the lives lost in this tragedy, but we can work together to help prevent future shootings.”

The letter includes the following questions:

• What concerns were raised by (or to) Army personnel regarding Mr. Card, including with regard to his mental health? When were those concerns raised, and what actions were taken in response?

• Were all existing Army regulations, policies, and procedures followed with regard to Mr. Card? 

• Under what circumstances does the Army report its personnel to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS)?

• Under what circumstances would the Army seek to invoke a state's crisis intervention laws to temporarily remove firearms from the possession of a soldier who is a danger to themselves or others?  Were any attempts to invoke such laws made with regard to Mr. Card?

• Is there anything that Army personnel should (or could) have done consistent with existing law to prevent the events of October 25, 2023?

• Are there any existing laws, regulations, policies, or procedures that prevented the Army from alerting or communicating with any judicial, law enforcement, healthcare, or other entities that could have taken action to prevent the mass shooting on October 25, 2023?

• What reforms or actions, if any, is the Army undertaking in response to the events of October25, 2023? What actions does your Office believe the Army should take?

Click HERE to read the full letter.

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