The recent findings from a specialized laboratory examining the brain of the gunman responsible for Maine’s deadliest mass shooting have shed light on a troubling issue within the military. Robert Card, a former grenade instructor in the Army Reserve, was found to have profound brain damage similar to that seen in veterans exposed to repeated blasts from weapons use.
The autopsy report, released by Card’s family, revealed that the white matter in Card’s brain had “moderately severe” damage, with some areas missing entirely. The delicate tissue sheaths that insulate each biological circuit were found in disorganized clumps, and there was scarring and inflammation throughout his brain, indicating repeated trauma.
While not classified as chronic traumatic encephalopathy (C.T.E.), the damage found in Card’s brain is a characteristic pattern seen in military veterans exposed to weapons blasts during their service. This raises concerns about the risks of blast exposure in the military, especially for individuals like Card who never saw combat but were exposed to blasts during training.
The military has been urged by Congress to investigate the potential risks of blast exposure, but progress has been slow. Despite recommendations to reduce blast exposure in combat units, soldiers like Card continue to be exposed to large numbers of blasts during training.
Card’s family described him as a quiet and friendly man with no history of causing trouble before his behavior began to change in the months leading up to the mass shooting. They attempted to intervene and seek help for him, but he pushed them away and accused them of conspiring against him.
The tragic events in Lewiston, where Card killed 18 people before taking his own life, have prompted his family to release the findings of his brain study in the hopes of preventing similar tragedies in the future. They expressed deep sorrow for the victims, survivors, and their loved ones, and emphasized the importance of learning from this tragedy to ensure it never happens again.
The implications of these findings on blast exposure in the military are significant, highlighting the need for further investigation and action to protect the mental health and well-being of service members.
