In a tragic turn of events, it has been revealed that Maine shooter Robert Card's best friend had warned their boss about Card's potential for a mass shooting six weeks before the deadly attack. Despite the explicit warning, authorities failed to take action in time, resulting in the loss of 18 innocent lives.

Sean Hodgson, Card's close friend, had texted his Army reservist supervisor on September 15, expressing his fear that Card was on the brink of a violent outburst. Hodgson, recognizing Card's increasing anger and paranoia, believed that he was capable of carrying out a mass shooting. However, his warning went unanswered, and Card went on to open fire at a bowling alley and bar in Lewiston before taking his own life.

Hodgson, frustrated by the authorities' lack of response, expressed his belief that he had done everything he could to prevent the tragedy. He had even requested a change in the gate passcode to the Army Reserve training facility and urged personnel to arm themselves if Card appeared. Despite Card's known mental decline and previous reports from his relatives expressing concerns about his access to firearms, authorities did not confront him or take Hodgson's warning seriously.

The Army Reserve spokesperson, Lt. Col. Addie Leonhardt, acknowledged the ongoing investigation into the incident and emphasized that speculating without all the details could impact the outcome. However, Hodgson's plea for action and the alleged shortcomings of the authorities' response have drawn attention to the importance of taking potential threats seriously.

Sheriff Joel Merry of Sagadahoc County, where Card resided, declined to comment on whether Hodgson's warnings were adequately followed up. Hodgson, who had witnessed Card's descent into paranoia, recalled instances of Card's increasingly erratic behavior, including allegations of him being accused of being a pedophile. Hodgson also shared his concern about Card's episode of intense anger following a visit to a casino. He reported his friend out of love and concern for both Card and the safety of others.

The videos released by the Sagadahoc County Sheriff's Office revealed dismissive attitudes towards Hodgson, with officials questioning his credibility and implying that he may have been intoxicated when reporting his friend. Hodgson, who acknowledged his struggles with PTSD and alcoholism, asserted that he was sober when he made the report. He expressed his frustration and disbelief at being discredited when all that was needed was a listening ear.

Stephanie Sherman, an attorney representing families of survivors of the Uvalde shooting, emphasized that authorities should have acted upon the available information and activated Maine's yellow flag law, which allows for the removal of firearms during psychiatric emergencies. Sherman highlighted the balance between public safety and protecting a reputation, calling for a shift towards prioritizing safety in such situations.

The release of the videos portraying casual banter between military and sheriff personnel evoked strong reactions from survivors of the shooting, who expressed hurt and disappointment. Tammy Asselin, a survivor of the Lewiston shooting, voiced her concern about the lack of seriousness displayed by those involved in the response, emphasizing the weight of the situation and the trauma experienced by the victims and their families.

As the investigation into the Lewiston shooting continues, Hodgson grapples with the fact that his longtime friend, Card, inflicted such harm on innocent lives. He expressed his love for Card but also his deep sense of hatred for what he did. The tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the importance of taking threats seriously, regardless of the source or relationship, and the need for effective intervention to prevent such devastating events from occurring again.