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LEWISTON, Maine - In a shocking revelation, documents released by the authorities have shown that the family of the Maine mass shooter reached out to the local sheriff's office five months before the deadly rampage, expressing concern about the gunman's deteriorating mental health. The gunman, identified as Robert Card, had access to firearms at the time. Despite the family's plea for help, the tragedy unfolded last Wednesday when Card entered a Lewiston bowling alley and a bar, killing 18 people and injuring 13 others. Card was later found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot.

The timeline provided by the sheriff's office documents sheds light on the various warning signs and failed efforts made to prevent the massacre. According to the released documents, the family had initially raised concerns about Card's mental health earlier this year. However, it wasn't until May that the family contacted the Sagadohoc County Sheriff's Office, seeking assistance.

Upon receiving the alert, the sheriff's office promptly reached out to Card's Army Reserve unit, who assured them that they would address the situation and ensure that Card received the necessary medical attention. It was further revealed that Card had undergone a mental health evaluation in the summer of last year, after accusing soldiers of calling him a pedophile during training in New York.

Documents also highlighted that the sheriff's deputy conducted a wellness check at Card's home on September 15, following a soldier's concern that Card might "snap and commit a mass shooting" due to hearing voices again. However, the deputy could not locate Card during the visit or subsequently. Concerns escalated to the point where a statewide alert was issued, warning that Card was "armed and dangerous."

The Army Reserve unit, along with the sheriff's office, made numerous attempts to contact Card and take away his military-issued firearms. Card's brother also assisted in securing the firearms by placing them in a gun safe on the family farm, ensuring that Card could not access them. Despite these efforts, the tragic events unfolded on October 25.

Investigators are still grappling with the motive behind the mass shooting, with Card's mental health history gaining increasing attention. It was also revealed that the gunman had attempted to purchase a silencer months before the shooting, but the transaction was denied when he answered affirmatively to having been committed to a mental institution.

Maine Governor Janet Mills held a news conference on Monday, expressing her intent to revisit state gun control laws. The incident has shocked the state of Maine, which has a relatively low rate of violent crime.

As the investigation continues, Sheriff Joel Merry affirmed that his agency followed proper procedures and conducted the necessary wellness checks. However, he also expressed his commitment to evaluating and improving their policies to ensure public safety while respecting individual rights.

The tragic incident marks the 36th mass killing in the United States this year, according to a database maintained by the Associated Press and USA Today in partnership with Northeastern University. It has sparked renewed discussions on gun control and mental health awareness.

The community of Lewiston and the state of Maine mourn the loss of lives and continue to support each other during this difficult time.