Sean Hodgson was filled with concern as he observed his close friend of almost twenty years come apart at the seams. Both former roommates and U.S. Army reservists, stated Robert Card had been growing increasingly angry and paranoid over time; furthermore, due to owning firearms himself, he obstinately refused any form of assistance or intervention.
Consequently, faced with a distressing decision, Hodgson ultimately sent a message about Card’s condition to their superior in the military forces – an agonizing choice that would be among the toughest decisions made throughout his life thus far.
On September 15, he expressed his belief that the individual in question is on the verge of a potential mass shooting.
After six weeks, Card committed suicide following the fatal shooting of 18 individuals at a bar and bowling alley in Lewiston. A regionwide lockdown ensued for two days until his body was discovered in a trailer.
During an exclusive interview with The Associated Press last week, Hodgson stated that he did not have access to the individual’s thoughts and was unaware of what exactly transpired. However, he remained convinced in his correctness regarding the matter at hand. This marks Hodgson’s first public statement since the occurrence on October 25th.
Numerous alerts regarding Card’s behavior have been extensively recorded. In May, authorities were warned by family members that Card was becoming increasingly suspicious and apprehensive; they also expressed alarm concerning his possession of firearms. Subsequently, in July, following an incident where he forcibly pushed a reservist colleague before locking himself up in a hotel room evidently needing psychiatric assistance for two weeks while being hospitalized. Eventually banning him from possessing weapons on duty and classifying him as nondeployable ensued when the Army prohibited him access to them during August.
During the month of September, Hodgson drew attention to a serious concern by advising authorities to modify the gate passcode at their Army Reserve training center and equip themselves with weapons in case Card appeared.
“I believe he’s mentally unstable,” he wrote pleadingly.
However, officials chose not to engage with Card – the most evident instance of opportunities lost in stopping and averting the deadliest attack in state history. This is difficult for Hodgson to accept as he disputes an independent law enforcement report that labels him as “overly aggressive” and “fear-mongering.”
“I performed my duty and surpassed it, making sure to explicitly explain the details,” stated Hodgson, who is 43 years old and referred to solely by his surname in files related to the matter. “I am uncertain how much more lucid I could have been.”
When Hodgson’s account is combined with law enforcement documents, videos and additional interviews, it presents the most thorough portrayal that exists of possible miscalculations prior to the assault.
The Army Reserve released a statement this week in response to AP’s queries regarding the investigation and Hodgson’s cautionary advice. The statement advised against making any hasty conclusions until after both its own inquiry and an external examination by the Army inspector general have been completed.
Lt. Col. Addie Leonhardt, spokesperson for the Army Reserve, cautioned against making premature assumptions that might impede the investigation’s progress and noted that additional information may be provided upon its conclusion. No further statements were given by officials at this time.
Although Sagadahoc County Sheriff Joel Merry, where Card resided, did not respond to AP’s inquiries about the gravity with which Hodgson’s alert was regarded, he intimated a demand for alterations in public policy. Prior statements from him indicate that his bureau has been completely upfront and is collaborating with an autonomous panel designated by the governor.
Hodgson expressed uncertainty regarding the exact location of shortcomings but opined that greater efforts could have been made in supporting his acquaintance and averting a calamity.
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He stated, “Although he committed a terrible act which I do not condone, I still had affection for him. It was never my intention to cause harm.”