Current:Home > FinanceAfter mass shooting, bill would require Army to use state crisis laws to remove weapons -ProgressCapital
After mass shooting, bill would require Army to use state crisis laws to remove weapons
View
Date:2025-04-27 12:45:36
PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — A bill that’s being introduced Monday after a mass shooting in Maine would require the Army to use state crisis intervention laws to remove the weapons of a service member who is deemed to be a serious threat to themselves or others, said U.S. Sen. Susan Collins, the bill’s sponsor.
The Armed Forces Crisis Intervention Notification Act is aimed at addressing missed opportunities by the military and civilian law enforcement to intervene before an Army reservist who had spiraled into psychosis opened fire at two locations in Lewiston, Maine, killing 18 people and injuring 13 others on Oct. 25, 2023.
“We have a chance to help service members in crisis. We have a chance to help protect our neighbors and families. We have a chance to save lives,” Collins said in a statement. Maine’s other senator, independent Angus King, is a co-sponsor of the bill.
This bill seeks to ensure communication between state agencies and military service branches after criticism that the Army wasn’t as forthcoming as it could’ve been with state law enforcement officials about the gunman, 40-year-old Robert Card, before the shooting rampage. It requires the military to participate in state crisis actions, including so-called red flag or yellow flag laws aimed at removing weapons from someone who’s experiencing a psychiatric emergency.
Law enforcement officials had known about Card’s growing paranoia, and Card had been hospitalized last summer while his reserve unit was training in New York state. Health care providers who assessed him said he was psychotic and had a hit list, and recommended that he not have access to weapons.
Military officials restricted Card’s access to military weapons but Card still had access to privately owned weapons at his home in Bowdoin, Maine.
The Sagadahoc County Sheriff’s Office was asked to go to Card’s home and check on his well-being after he’d threatened to “shoot up” the home of his Army Reserve unit, but the deputies were unaware of details about what happened in New York state or the extent of his mental health crisis.
This bill wouldn’t affect the military’s existing authority to disarm service members in a broad range of situations, Collins said. Instead, the bill aims to eliminate a gap in communication between military and civilian law enforcement that could’ve prevented the tragedy in Maine.
“We cannot bring back our friends and family members we lost last October, but we can take steps to fix the cracks in the system that led to the tragedy,” King added.
The mass shooting has been investigated by an independent commission appointed by the governor, along with the Army Reserve and by the Army Office of the Inspector General. Maine Gov. Janet Mills said that the tragedy “was caused by a colossal failure of human judgment by several people, on several occasions.”
veryGood! (444)
Related
- Residents in Alaska capital clean up swamped homes after an ice dam burst and unleashed a flood
- 2 teens charged in death of New York City woman whose body was found in duffel bag
- A new, stable fiscal forecast for Kansas reinforces the dynamics of a debate over tax cuts
- Is pickle juice good for you? Here's what experts want you to know
- Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Hi Hi!
- NHL games today: Everything to know about Sunday playoff schedule
- 'Pulp Fiction' 30th anniversary reunion: John Travolta, Samuel L. Jackson, Uma Thurman, more
- Soar, slide, splash? It’s skiers’ choice as spring’s wacky pond skimming tradition returns
- How effective is the Hyundai, Kia anti-theft software? New study offers insights.
- Maryland student arrested over school shooting plot after 129-page manifesto was found
Ranking
- NHL in ASL returns, delivering American Sign Language analysis for Deaf community at Winter Classic
- Morgan Wallen Breaks Silence on Arrest Over Alleged Chair-Throwing Incident
- Former resident of New Hampshire youth center describes difficult aftermath of abuse
- Phone lines are open for Cardinals and Chargers, who have options at top of 2024 NFL draft
- Oklahoma parole board recommends governor spare the life of man on death row
- Watch this sweet moment between Pluto and his biggest fan: a golden retriever service dog
- U.N. official says Israel systematically impeding Gaza aid distribution
- Swiftie couple recreates Taylor Swift album covers
Recommendation
'Survivor' 47 finale, part one recap: 2 players were sent home. Who's left in the game?
Kansas has a new anti-DEI law, but the governor has vetoed bills on abortion and even police dogs
Where is weed legal? The states where recreational, medicinal marijuana is allowed in 2024
Why FedEx's $25 million NIL push is 'massive step forward' for Memphis Tigers sports
Residents worried after ceiling cracks appear following reroofing works at Jalan Tenaga HDB blocks
South Dakota man sentenced to nearly 90 years in prison for his baby son’s 2021 death
'Pulp Fiction' 30th anniversary reunion: John Travolta, Samuel L. Jackson, Uma Thurman, more
UFL schedule for Week 4 games: D.C. Defenders vs. Birmingham Stallions in big matchup