AUGUSTA, Maine — Gov. Janet Mills says there will be an investigation into the massacres in Lewiston and how gunman Robert Card was able to kill 18 people despite local law enforcement having seemingly a preponderance of information on Card's apparent declining mental health and the potential threat he posed to others.
Mills announced Wednesday that she plans to establish an independent commission of experts to "determine the facts and circumstances" of the Oct. 25 shootings in Lewiston, as well as looking into the months leading up to the shooting and the police response to it.
Card killed 18 people, ranging from 14 to 76 years old.
Mills released the following statement on Wednesday:
"A cornerstone of the ability to heal is to know the truth – in this case, the facts of what happened on that tragic night, of the months that led up to it, and of the police response to it.
It is important to recognize that, from what we know thus far, on multiple occasions over the last ten months, concerns about Mr. Card’s mental health and his behavior were brought to the attention of his Army National Reserve Unit, as well as law enforcement agencies here in Maine and in New York. This raises crucial questions about actions taken and what more could have been done to prevent this tragedy from occurring.
I know that the Maine State Police are working hard to conduct a thorough and comprehensive criminal investigation of the shooting, but I also believe that the gravity of this attack on our people – an attack that strikes at the core of who we are and the values we hold dear – demands a higher level of scrutiny.
In the coming days, I will work with the Attorney General to formally establish a fully independent commission, whose charge will be to determine the facts surrounding the tragedy on October 25th, including the time that led up to it and the police response to it. I envision this commission being comprised of independent experts with legal, investigative, and mental health backgrounds who can bring to bear their experiences in determining and laying out the full and impartial facts. I hope to formally announce this commission and its membership next week so that it may conduct itself with a due sense of urgency, and above all else, follow the facts wherever they may lead.
This – the complete facts and circumstances, including any failures – must be brought to light and known by all. The families of the victims, those who were injured, those who are recovering, and the people of Maine and the nation deserve nothing less."