LEWISTON, Maine - In the wake of the October mass shooting that left 18 people dead and shocked the community of Lewiston, Maine's congressional delegation is demanding an independent investigation into the events leading up to the tragedy. The deadly shooting was carried out by 40-year-old Army reservist Robert Card, who subsequently died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Members of the congressional delegation, including Republican Sen. Susan Collins, independent Sen. Angus King, and Democratic Reps. Chellie Pingree and Jared Golden, called for the Department of the Army Inspector General to conduct a thorough examination following a meeting with the families affected by the shooting.

After discussions with Army officials, it was revealed on Friday that there will be an administrative investigation into the events prior to Card's death. However, the delegation believes that a separate, independent investigation is necessary to delve deeper into the circumstances surrounding the shootings.

"This tragedy warrants a much broader, independent inquiry," stated the delegation. "We must work towards a comprehensive understanding of what transpired, and evaluate what could have been done differently at the local, state, and federal levels to potentially prevent the Lewiston shooting. It is crucial to ensure that the investigation is unbiased and restores the American people's confidence."

The call for an independent investigation came after a meeting between the congressional delegation and survivors and families of the victims. The families had traveled to Capitol Hill to urge the Department of the Army Inspector General to investigate how Card was able to possess firearms and carry out the shootings, considering his previous mental health history.

Card had spent two weeks in a psychiatric hospital while simultaneously accumulating a cache of weapons, according to reports. Access to military-grade weapons had been restricted for Card after his hospitalization. Senator Collins suggested that either New York's red flag law or Maine's yellow flag law could have been utilized to remove firearms from Card once the Army had imposed the restrictions.

Army officials have yet to respond to requests for comment regarding the independent investigation.

In addition to the congressional delegation's efforts, an independent Maine commission has launched its own investigation into the mass shooting. The commission has also requested the power to subpoena the Army for questioning, aiming to determine any possible breakdowns or systemic failures.

The families affected by the Lewiston shooting expressed their gratitude for the swift response from lawmakers in a statement released on Friday. They emphasized the importance of uncovering the facts surrounding the lead-up to the execution of the tragic event and identifying any potential lapses in the system that allowed Card to carry out the shootings.

"The joint letter highlights that an inspector general investigation can occur simultaneously with the Army's ongoing administrative investigation," noted the families' statement.

As the pursuit of justice intensifies, the residents of Lewiston remain steadfast in their quest for answers and measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.