One Year After Maine Shooting: Gunman's Family Pushes for Brain Injury Research

A year after a mass shooting in Lewiston, Maine, the family of the gunman is advocating for greater awareness and research into traumatic brain injuries among military members. The shooting occurred on October 25, 2023, at a bowling alley and a bar, leaving 18 people dead. The gunman's family initially considered staying quiet but decided to go public to prevent similar tragedies. They believe that the shooter's behavior was influenced by a severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) caused by exposure to numerous low-level blasts during his military career. The family tried to get help for the gunman, who was an Army reservist and had a teenage son. They contacted veterans' crisis hotlines and his military base about his erratic behavior. Despite their efforts, the gunman carried out the shooting and later took his own life after a two-day manhunt. A post-mortem study of his brain revealed evidence of TBI, which researchers said likely played a role in his symptoms. The family hopes to prevent future tragedies by raising awareness about TBI and promoting research into its effects on military members. They are supporting Project Enlist, an initiative that encourages veterans and service members to donate their brains for research. This research aims to develop effective treatments and testing for living patients with TBI. Nicole Herling, the sister of the gunman, emphasizes that her brother's TBI does not fully explain his actions, and a brain injury does not guarantee violent behavior. She admits that they should have done more to ensure his firearms were removed from his home. The family is working to start conversations about mental health and brain injuries among service members. The U. S. Army admitted multiple errors in handling the gunman's case and announced new guidance to minimize blast exposure among service members. However, they denied any link between his brain injury and military service. The family supports litigation against the Defense Department and other entities for not responding to warning signs. Leroy Walker Sr. , whose son was among the victims, praises the gunman's family for their efforts to make the situation easier for everyone. He lost his 57-year-old son, who was a bar manager. Nicole Herling acknowledges the pain caused by her brother and uses it as motivation to raise awareness about struggles within the military community.