Robert Card's Alarming Signs Were Evident, Yet, Ignored
Oct 31, 2023, 05:00 PM
As yet another tragic mass shooting in America rocks the nation, the harrowing events raise a haunting question: Are we as a society failing to act on the warning signs that often precede such horrors? The recent episode of the "Hidden Killers" podcast, featuring host Tony Brueski and psychotherapist and author Shavaun Scott, delves into the disturbing case of Robert Card, accused of the Maine mass shooting. This thought-provoking conversation sheds light on the broader issue of addressing mental health in the context of gun violence.
The episode begins with a stark reflection on the Maine mass shooting and the numerous warning signs that seemed to go unheeded. Robert Card's journey into infamy includes a two-month stay in a mental health facility just months before the shooting, where he reportedly exhibited signs of severe mental distress. Making terroristic threats against an army reserve base and having access to high-powered weapons, it appears that many individuals had indeed "seen something" and "said something." Yet, Card remained at large.
This chilling case prompts Tony Brueski to pose a question that goes beyond the immediate tragedy: Are we, as a society, complicit in allowing individuals like Card to exist in such a perilous state? Shavaun Scott, a psychotherapist with experience in working with psychotic individuals, provides valuable insights into the complexities of severe mental illness and its intersection with societal failures.
Scott emphasizes that mental illness, particularly psychosis, is a brain disease that should be understood as such. She passionately argues that society often lacks a comprehensive understanding of these conditions and instead perpetuates stigmatization and misinformation. Her perspective challenges the prevailing notion that mental illness invariably leads to violent behavior, highlighting the need for more nuanced public awareness.
The conversation evolves into a dissection of Card's case, spotlighting the absence of red flag laws in Maine. Scott points out that these laws could serve as a crucial mechanism for identifying individuals who may pose a threat and intervening appropriately. This absence of preventive measures raises questions about whether society is taking adequate steps to protect its members.
Scott also stresses the importance of aftercare for individuals with severe mental illness. Often, those released from psychiatric facilities lack mandated treatment, case management, or follow-up, leading to potential relapses into dangerous states. The podcast episode underscores the need for comprehensive, well-informed policies to address the issue effectively.
The interview with Shavaun Scott underscores that society's approach to mental health is fundamentally flawed. The failure to understand and address the nuances of severe mental illness, particularly psychosis, leaves many individuals untreated and potentially dangerous. Scott advocates for greater public awareness, education of lawmakers, and the implementation of red flag laws to intervene before tragedies occur.
In conclusion, the "Hidden Killers" podcast episode forces us to confront uncomfortable questions about the role of society in mass shootings. While Robert Card's actions are undoubtedly his own, the warning signs leading up to the Maine mass shooting expose deep-rooted societal issues. The conversation prompts us to ponder whether we are doing enough to identify and support individuals with severe mental illness and whether our society is inadvertently complicit in allowing such tragedies to unfold. The need for comprehensive reforms in mental health policies and greater public understanding has never been more apparent.
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The latest on Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Delphi Murders: Inside the Crime, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Malevolent Mormon Mommys, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com
The episode begins with a stark reflection on the Maine mass shooting and the numerous warning signs that seemed to go unheeded. Robert Card's journey into infamy includes a two-month stay in a mental health facility just months before the shooting, where he reportedly exhibited signs of severe mental distress. Making terroristic threats against an army reserve base and having access to high-powered weapons, it appears that many individuals had indeed "seen something" and "said something." Yet, Card remained at large.
This chilling case prompts Tony Brueski to pose a question that goes beyond the immediate tragedy: Are we, as a society, complicit in allowing individuals like Card to exist in such a perilous state? Shavaun Scott, a psychotherapist with experience in working with psychotic individuals, provides valuable insights into the complexities of severe mental illness and its intersection with societal failures.
Scott emphasizes that mental illness, particularly psychosis, is a brain disease that should be understood as such. She passionately argues that society often lacks a comprehensive understanding of these conditions and instead perpetuates stigmatization and misinformation. Her perspective challenges the prevailing notion that mental illness invariably leads to violent behavior, highlighting the need for more nuanced public awareness.
The conversation evolves into a dissection of Card's case, spotlighting the absence of red flag laws in Maine. Scott points out that these laws could serve as a crucial mechanism for identifying individuals who may pose a threat and intervening appropriately. This absence of preventive measures raises questions about whether society is taking adequate steps to protect its members.
Scott also stresses the importance of aftercare for individuals with severe mental illness. Often, those released from psychiatric facilities lack mandated treatment, case management, or follow-up, leading to potential relapses into dangerous states. The podcast episode underscores the need for comprehensive, well-informed policies to address the issue effectively.
The interview with Shavaun Scott underscores that society's approach to mental health is fundamentally flawed. The failure to understand and address the nuances of severe mental illness, particularly psychosis, leaves many individuals untreated and potentially dangerous. Scott advocates for greater public awareness, education of lawmakers, and the implementation of red flag laws to intervene before tragedies occur.
In conclusion, the "Hidden Killers" podcast episode forces us to confront uncomfortable questions about the role of society in mass shootings. While Robert Card's actions are undoubtedly his own, the warning signs leading up to the Maine mass shooting expose deep-rooted societal issues. The conversation prompts us to ponder whether we are doing enough to identify and support individuals with severe mental illness and whether our society is inadvertently complicit in allowing such tragedies to unfold. The need for comprehensive reforms in mental health policies and greater public understanding has never been more apparent.
Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj
Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com
The latest on Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Delphi Murders: Inside the Crime, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Malevolent Mormon Mommys, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com