The recent massacre in Lewiston, Maine has brought attention to the issue of how the state and the nation as a whole fail to deal with violent mentally ill individuals. The suspect, Robert Card, a 40-year-old Army reservist with a history of mental health issues, including hearing voices, was able to possess a firearm despite his condition. This raises several disturbing questions about Maine's laws and mental health services.

Maine lacks a "Red Flag" law, which would allow family members or concerned individuals to request that firearms be taken away from someone deemed a threat. There are currently 21 states, plus D.C., that have implemented such laws. Instead, Maine has a "Yellow Flag" law, which has only been used a few dozen times and does not allow family members to directly petition a judge to remove firearms. This responsibility falls solely on the police.

Moreover, it appears that Card was released from a mental-health facility after only a two-week stay, despite making threats to shoot up a National Guard base. This raises concerns about the effectiveness of Maine's mental health services. The state has a severe shortage of mental health crisis workers, with only 87 workers compared to over 2,500 law enforcement officers. There is also a high demand for outpatient mental health treatment, with over 2,000 patients waiting for care.

Maine's mental health services are not unique in their struggles. Mental hospitals are closing across the country, leaving many individuals without proper treatment and care. The tragic events in Lewiston highlight the urgent need for stronger mental health laws and more resources to support those struggling with mental illness.

The suspect, Robert Card, has been issued eight murder warrants so far, with more likely to come as the identities of the remaining victims are confirmed. Three of the 13 wounded victims are in critical condition, and five are stable. The attack took place at a children's bowling league, causing panic and chaos among the attendees.

Authorities have launched a multistate search for Card, involving land and water operations. Despite efforts by law enforcement agencies, no trace of Card has been found yet. The community is left shaken, with many mourning the loss of loved ones and praying for the injured.

The aftermath of this tragic incident raises important questions about the accessibility of firearms for individuals with a history of mental illness and the need for better mental health services and support systems in our society.