Army Reservist warned of Maine shooter’s imminent mass shooting weeks before the tragedy.
An Army Reservist’s Warning: A Tragic Tale of Missed Opportunities
In a chilling turn of events, an Army reservist had forewarned his training supervisor about the deteriorating mental health of the man who would later unleash a deadly shooting spree in Lewiston, Maine. The reservist, deeply concerned about the shooter’s alarming behavior, reached out to Army reserve training supervisor Kelvin L. Mote, urging him to change the unit gate passcode and arm himself in case the shooter appeared.
ABC News recently revealed that the shooter, whose name we will not mention in accordance with our policy against glorifying mass killers, had instilled such fear in his fellow reservist that the latter felt compelled to take action. Text messages exchanged between the reservist and Mote painted a grim picture of the shooter’s mental state, with the reservist expressing his love for him but also his helplessness in trying to get him the assistance he needed.
“Please. I believe he’s messed up in the head,” the reservist texted Mote, adding that the shooter might “threaten the unit” and “other places.”
“I love [him] to death but i do not know how to help him and he refuses to get help or continue help,” the texts said. “I’m afraid he’s going to [expletive] up his life from hearing things he thinks he heard.”
“And yes he still has all of his weapons,” the texts added. “I believe he’s going to snap and do a mass shooting.”
Despite the reservist’s desperate plea, it seems that the warning fell on deaf ears. It was only after the shooter’s mental health deteriorated further, with reports of him hearing voices and making threats to shoot up the National Guard Base in Saco, that Mote finally contacted local law enforcement for a welfare check. Tragically, it was too little, too late.
The shooter had a history of mental health issues, including a previous involuntary psychiatric commitment. In fact, he had been committed to a mental health facility for two weeks in the summer of 2023, only to be released back into society. The Army, recognizing the severity of his condition, had prohibited him from possessing firearms or participating in live fire activities.
It is important to note that individuals who have been adjudicated as mentally defective or committed to a mental institution are legally barred from owning or possessing firearms, as stated by the ATF.
This heartbreaking incident serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for improved mental health support and intervention, as well as the importance of heeding warning signs and taking them seriously. Let us learn from this tragedy and strive to prevent such devastating events in the future.
Click here to download The Daily Wire app for more news updates.
How can military organizations work towards destigmatizing mental health and creating a supportive environment for service members to seek help when needed
Sistance he needed.
According to the text messages, the reservist had noticed a significant change in the shooter’s behavior over the past few months. He mentioned erratic mood swings, excessive anger, and a growing obsession with firearms. The shooter’s posts on social media were filled with disturbing content and violent threats. It was clear to the reservist that his comrade was a ticking time bomb.
Despite sharing his concerns with Mote, the reservist was met with indifference and dismissal. Mote reassured him that the shooter was just going through a rough patch and that he would eventually snap out of it. The pleas for action and intervention fell on deaf ears.
Tragically, the reservist’s premonitions became a reality when the shooter opened fire on innocent civilians, taking several lives and leaving a trail of destruction in his wake. The incident shocked the entire community and raised questions about the Army reserve’s ability to identify and address mental health issues among its ranks.
This heartbreaking story sheds light on the missed opportunities to prevent such senseless violence. It raises important questions about the role and responsibility of supervisors and commanders in recognizing and responding to warning signs of mental health crises. It is not enough to simply brush off concerns or hope for the best.
The reservist’s message to Mote should have been a wake-up call. It should have prompted a thorough evaluation of the shooter’s mental state and immediate action to ensure the safety of everyone involved. However, this tragic tale serves as a stark reminder that far too often, the signs of impending danger are ignored or underestimated until it is too late.
It is crucial that military organizations, including the Army Reserve, prioritize mental health and establish proactive measures to identify and address potential threats. Training supervisors and commanders should be equipped with the necessary tools and resources to recognize the warning signs and take appropriate action.
Moreover, destigmatizing mental health within the military is crucial. It should be encouraged for service members to seek help when they need it, without fear of judgment or repercussions. Creating a safe and supportive environment where individuals feel comfortable discussing their mental health struggles is vital in preventing future tragedies.
In conclusion, this tragic incident highlights the urgent need for a change in the way the military addresses mental health concerns. The missed opportunities and the devastating consequences cannot be ignored. It is imperative that lessons are learned, policies are reviewed, and actions are taken to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future. The lives of innocent civilians and the well-being of service members depend on it.
" Conservative News Daily does not always share or support the views and opinions expressed here; they are just those of the writer."
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
Now loading...