What's happened
The autopsy of Robert Card, an Army reservist who committed a mass shooting in Maine, revealed profound brain damage likely caused by repeated blasts during his military training. The findings raise questions about the impact of traumatic brain injuries on behavior and the potential risks faced by military personnel.
Why it matters
The link between Robert Card's traumatic brain injury and his violent actions in the mass shooting highlights the importance of understanding the effects of such injuries on behavior. This revelation could lead to improved support and interventions for individuals with similar conditions, particularly in the military context, where exposure to blasts is common.
What the papers say
The New York Times emphasizes the profound brain damage found in Robert Card's autopsy, suggesting a potential connection to his violent behavior. In contrast, The Independent cautions against drawing direct conclusions between the brain injury and Card's actions, highlighting the need for further research and analysis.
How we got here
Robert Card, an Army reservist, killed 18 people in a mass shooting in Maine, with an autopsy later revealing significant traumatic brain injuries. The findings have sparked discussions about the impact of such injuries on behavior and the potential risks faced by military personnel exposed to repeated blasts during training.
More on these topics
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An army, ground force or land force is an armed force that fights primarily on land. In the broadest sense, it is the land-based military branch, service branch or armed service of a nation or country.
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Ann McKee is a neuropathologist and expert in neurodegenerative disease at the New England Veterans Affairs Medical Centers and is professor of neurology and pathology at Boston University School of Medicine and director of Boston University CTE Center.