In a tragic incident that rocked the community of Lewiston, Maine, last year, Army reservist Robert Card went on a shooting rampage, claiming the lives of 18 people before taking his own. A recent study by the Boston University CTE Center has revealed that Card exhibited signs of traumatic brain injury consistent with exposure to weapons blasts.

Friends, family, and colleagues had observed significant changes in Card's behavior in the months leading up to the mass shooting. Described as erratic and paranoid, concerns about his mental health were shared with the police by both relatives and fellow reservists. Now, the analysis of Card's brain, made public by his family in a statement released by the Concussion Legacy Foundation, suggests that brain injury likely played a role in his behavioral changes.

The post-mortem study conducted by the Boston University CTE Center at the request of Maine's chief medical examiner's office revealed "significant degeneration, axonal and myelin loss, inflammation, and small blood vessel injury" in Card's brain. Lead researcher Ann McKee explained that while there were no signs of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative disease associated with repeated head trauma, the damage was consistent with previous studies on the effects of blast injury in humans.

Card, who had been in the Army Reserve for more than half of his life but never served in combat deployments, was believed to have been exposed to thousands of low-level blasts during his time as an instructor at an Army hand grenade training range. Zubair Ahmed, a neuroscience professor at the University of Birmingham, pointed out the severe impact that blast injuries can have, affecting various areas of the brain responsible for regulating emotions, impulses, and behavior. This impact can make it harder for individuals to control their reactions, potentially leading to aggression, violence, and impulsivity.

However, experts caution against making a direct causal link between the brain injuries and Card's tragic actions. Vassilis Koliatsos, a neuropathology professor at Johns Hopkins University, emphasized that traumatic brain injury can contribute to a propensity toward aggression but does not explain the preplanned criminality of such magnitude.

The findings of the brain analysis were shared by Card's family to prevent future tragedies and raise awareness about traumatic brain injury among military service members. The family acknowledged that the analysis does not fully explain Card's actions or serve as an excuse for the suffering he caused. In a statement, they expressed deep sorrow and regret for the victims, survivors, and their loved ones affected by the tragedy.

The family intends to continue supporting research in the field by allowing further exploration of Card's brain. Meanwhile, the Army, facing mounting pressure, has announced the development of a new tool to help service members protect themselves from the effects of high-pressure shock waves generated by heavy weapons during training.

As the independent commission investigating the Lewiston shooting holds a hearing, Card's fellow reservists have provided disturbing insights into his decline. From being a dedicated professional to a troubled individual, his transformation was evident. Understanding the significant role played by traumatic brain injury in his case highlights the importance of further research and support for affected military personnel.