An arrest warrant released on Tuesday sheds light on the unraveling of Robert Card, the Maine mass shooter. It was revealed that Card’s descent began in February after his ex-girlfriend ended their relationship. Interestingly, Card had met this woman at the same bar where he later opened fire. The warrant disclosed that Card met the unnamed woman during a cornhole tournament at Schemengees Bar & Grille, providing insight into his possible motive for targeting the establishment.
According to a witness, Card frequently took his ex-girlfriend and her two daughters to eat at the bar. During these meals, Card became increasingly paranoid, believing that people were staring at him. In addition, he claimed that the bar manager, Joey Walker, had insulted him by calling him gay. However, the witness affirmed that the manager never made such derogatory remarks.
Sadly, Joey Walker was among the victims killed during the horrifying shooting that occurred on October 25. Although it remains unclear if Card knew any of the individuals he targeted, apart from Walker, the victims included participants in a deaf cornhole tournament. Card’s family revealed that he had recently acquired hearing aids and had been hearing voices.
Witnesses informed the police that Card’s paranoia at Schemengees was part of a larger conspiracy he had concocted in his mind. He believed that four local businesses, including Schemengees and the bowling alley he later attacked, were spreading false claims that he was a pedophile.
The witness claimed to have tried helping Card for several months and stated that he frequently accused others of calling him a pedophile, which deeply upset him. The warrant further explained that Card’s mental state deteriorated following his breakup in February, leading him to stop taking his medication. He experienced significant weight loss and left his job at the Maine Recycling Corporation in April due to conflicts with a coworker.
Before the mass shooting, Card spent two weeks in a psychiatric facility after assaulting a Maine National Guardsman in a parking lot. This incident was triggered by Card’s belief that his colleague had accused him of being a pedophile. Upon his release, Card continued to engage in violent behavior, allegedly punching another guardsman who asked him to stop discussing shooting up a military base.
In September, the police attempted a wellness check on Card, but he refused to open the door. His loved ones immediately suspected his involvement in the shooting after the locations were announced. Card’s sister called 911 within 15 minutes of the shots being fired at Schemengees, where eight people were killed. An additional 10 individuals lost their lives at the nearby bowling alley.
During a police interview, Card’s sister described his delusional state since the breakup, detailing his belief in a conspiracy against him. She mentioned his keen interest in firearms and disclosed that he owned several rifles and handguns.
These revelations confirm what Card’s sister-in-law had exclusively shared with The Daily Beast last week. She disclosed that Card claimed to hear voices at the locations of the attacks and expressed frustration over his family’s disbelief.
The arrest warrant unveiled Card’s suspicion that even his own family was involved in the conspiracy. However, law enforcement has yet to determine Card’s motive for the massacre.
