In a recent hearing before an investigatory panel, Lieutenant Colonel Ryan Vazquez, a battalion commander with the Army Reserves, testified about the low threat profile of reservist Robert Card prior to his deadly mass shooting in Maine. Vazquez also shed light on the limitations faced by authorities in enforcing mental treatment plans and confiscating civilian weapons, further deepening the investigation into the tragic incident.

The Lewiston shootings, which took place on October 25th and claimed the lives of 18 individuals at a bowling alley and a bar and grill, have prompted a thorough examination of what Army officials knew about Card's mental state leading up to the tragedy. Fellow reservists had expressed concerns about Card's deteriorating mental health, with one reporting his belief that Card was on the brink of committing a mass shooting.

During the hearing, Vazquez revealed that Card was considered a "low threat" and was supposed to be kept away from weapons due to his medication after his hospitalization. However, despite Card's ominous threat to "shoot up" the Saco army base in September, Vazquez acknowledged the limited authority he held over Card while the latter was a civilian and not on military duty.

Vazquez explained that he lacked tools to ensure compliance with mental health treatment for reservists and had no mechanism for the Army Reserves to seize and store the weapons of individuals like Card in normal circumstances. He emphasized that predicting Card's actions or understanding the extent of his mental challenges was beyond his capacity. Consequently, Vazquez's testimony underscored a critical need for enhanced protocols and increased authority within the command structure.

The independent commission established by Governor Janet Mills has been diligently investigating the circumstances that led up to the shootings. In March, an interim report released by the commission revealed that law enforcement should have confiscated Card's guns and placed him under protective custody weeks before the incident. Card tragically died by suicide after the shootings.

In a subsequent hearing before the commission in April, Card's command officer admitted to not taking action when the reservist missed counselor sessions and failing to verify if Card's family had indeed taken away his guns. The commission members, including former US Attorney Paula Silsby, acknowledged the limitations faced by Card's Army superiors in the months leading up to the tragic events.

The Lewiston shootings are also under review by the Army Reserves and investigation by the Army Inspector General. Reports from these entities are expected to be available early this summer. During Monday's hearing, Vazquez stated that he was unaware of the release date for the Reserves' report.

Additionally, an Army health official highlighted the limitations in healthcare coverage for reservists compared to full-time soldiers. These challenges add another layer of complexity to addressing mental health concerns among reservists and ensuring proper support is provided.

As the investigation continues, the Lewiston commission aims to release its full report on the shootings this summer. The testimonies of Lieutenant Colonel Ryan Vazquez and others involved have shed important light on the low threat profile of Robert Card, the lack of authority held by command structures over reservists, and the imperative need for comprehensive reforms to prevent such tragedies in the future.