Survivors and family members affected by the Lewiston mass shooting, which occurred about six weeks ago, met with Maine’s congressional delegation in Washington, D.C. They advocated for independent military investigations into the tragic incident. The delegation included a survivor, Alan Nickerson, and family members of victims such as Arthur Barnard, Kristy Strout, Leroy Walker, Tracey Walker, and Elizabeth Seal.
These family members urged inspectors general for the U.S. Army and the Department of Defense to conduct independent investigations into missed warning signs and ways to prevent future shootings. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King, along with Representatives Chellie Pingree and Jared Golden, expressed agreement with the need for independent probes. The focus of discussions was on investigations rather than legislative actions, although mental health and gun-related issues were briefly mentioned.
While the Army Reserve has initiated two internal investigations, Governor Janet Mills and Attorney General Aaron Frey appointed a commission to review the lead-up and police response to the shooting. Senators King and Collins requested an investigation into why New York’s “red flag” law or Maine’s “yellow flag” law wasn’t triggered. Senator King introduced a bill limiting sales of certain weapons, while Senator Collins is working on legislation directing the military to utilize state crisis intervention laws.
The families and survivors are also facing communication barriers, especially those who are deaf. Elizabeth Seal highlighted challenges in obtaining information due to limited accessibility in hospitals and media outlets. Although grateful for lawmakers’ support, she emphasized the need for complete information to start the healing journey.
The group also had a meeting with the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention. The tragic incident in Lewiston involved Robert R. Card II, a 40-year-old Army reservist, who killed 18 people and injured 13 in the deadliest mass shooting in Maine’s history and the country’s deadliest this year.
