The US Defence Department faces mounting scrutiny after revelations it failed to enter Maine mass shooter Robert Card into an FBI database designed to prevent such tragedies, despite his concerning military background and mental health history.
Systemic Failure Exposed
According to a damning report released by the Pentagon, military officials neglected to submit Card's information to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), a critical database that would have flagged him during firearms purchases.
This oversight occurred despite Card's well-documented mental health crisis during his army reserve service, including a hospitalisation last summer and explicit threats to carry out a shooting at a military base.
Timeline of Missed Opportunities
- July 2023: Card undergoes two weeks of psychiatric hospitalisation after erratic behaviour during training
- September 2023: Army reserves officials restrict Card's access to weapons and military facilities
- October 2023: Card commits Maine's deadliest mass shooting, killing 18 people in Lewiston
- Post-incident: Investigation reveals Defence Department never submitted required NICS report
Pentagon's Defence and Public Outcry
Pentagon press secretary Major General Pat Ryder acknowledged the failure, stating they're "reviewing the process for NICS reporting" while emphasising their commitment to improvement. However, this explanation offers little comfort to victims' families and gun control advocates.
"This wasn't just an administrative error - it was a catastrophic failure that cost innocent lives," said Sarah Miller, spokesperson for Americans for Responsible Solutions. "When the military itself cannot follow its own protocols, how can we expect anyone else to?"
Broader Implications for Public Safety
The revelation raises alarming questions about the effectiveness of current gun control measures, particularly regarding military personnel. With approximately 77,000 military personnel currently in the NICS database, this case suggests potentially widespread underreporting.
Congressional leaders are now demanding immediate reforms to ensure proper reporting protocols between the Defence Department and FBI, with hearings scheduled to examine the breakdown in communication.
As investigations continue, the Maine tragedy stands as a stark reminder of how bureaucratic failures can have devastating real-world consequences, leaving communities to wonder if proper protocol could have prevented their unimaginable loss.
