Maine Governor Janet Mills announced on Wednesday her plans to establish an independent commission of experts to investigate the handling of previous concerns and the police response to the Lewiston mass shooting. The commission will focus on the months leading up to the tragic event and aims to shed light on any potential shortcomings in the authorities' actions.

The governor emphasized the seriousness of the attack, which resulted in the loss of 18 lives and left 13 others injured. Governor Mills acknowledged the ongoing efforts of the Maine State Police in conducting a thorough criminal investigation. However, she highlighted the need for a higher level of scrutiny due to the significance of the attack on the community and its fundamental values.

CNN had previously reported that Robert Card, the US Army reservist responsible for the shooting, had raised concerns from both the Army and his family. Reports indicate that law enforcement had made two attempts to check on Card in the weeks leading up to the incident. One warning came from a soldier who feared Card would "snap and commit a mass shooting," while Card's family had also contacted authorities expressing concern for his well-being and his access to firearms.

When questioned about the handling of these warnings, Governor Mills repeatedly referred to the ongoing investigation by the state police, noting the importance of understanding all the facts surrounding the event. She refrained from commenting on the specific warnings and the level of awareness within law enforcement.

Governor Mills highlighted that over the past 10 months, concerns regarding Card's mental health and behavior had been brought to the attention of both his Army National Reserve Unit and law enforcement agencies in Maine and New York. The governor stressed the significance of investigating the actions taken and determining if more could have been done to prevent such a tragedy.

In her statement issued on Wednesday, Governor Mills announced her intention to work alongside the Attorney General to establish a fully independent commission. The commission will be tasked with uncovering the facts surrounding the October 25th tragedy, including the events leading up to it and the subsequent police response. The governor expressed her desire for the commission to consist of independent experts with legal, investigative, and mental health backgrounds.

Governor Mills concluded by affirming her intentions to formally announce the commission and its members the following week to ensure a sense of urgency in the investigation. She affirmed her commitment to following the facts wherever they may lead.

The formation of this independent commission marks an important step in addressing the concerns surrounding the handling of the Lewiston mass shooting. As the investigation proceeds, the answers sought by the community will hopefully provide valuable insights to prevent such tragedies in the future.