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AP News Digest 6 p.m.

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AP News Digest 6 p.m.
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AP News Digest 6 p.m.

2024-08-02 05:57 Last Updated At:06:02

Here are the AP’s latest coverage plans, top stories and promotable content. All times EDT. For up-to-the-minute information on AP’s coverage, visit Coverage Plan in AP Newsroom.

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Cameron Wood of The United States leads other riders as he competes in the men's BMX racing event, at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024, in Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, France. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)

Cameron Wood of The United States leads other riders as he competes in the men's BMX racing event, at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024, in Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, France. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)

Kate Douglass, of the United States, celebrates after winning the women's 200-meter breaststroke final at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Nanterre, France, Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)

Kate Douglass, of the United States, celebrates after winning the women's 200-meter breaststroke final at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Nanterre, France, Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)

Simone Biles, of the United States, performs on the balance beam during the women's artistic gymnastics all-around finals in Bercy Arena at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)

Simone Biles, of the United States, performs on the balance beam during the women's artistic gymnastics all-around finals in Bercy Arena at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)

Vice President Kamala Harris delivers a eulogy for U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee as former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, left, listens, Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024, in Houston. (AP Photo/LM Otero)

Vice President Kamala Harris delivers a eulogy for U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee as former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, left, listens, Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024, in Houston. (AP Photo/LM Otero)

In this photo released by the official website of the office of the Iranian supreme leader, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, third right, leads a prayer over the coffins of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh and his bodyguard who were killed in an assassination blamed on Israel on Wednesday, during their funeral ceremony at the Tehran University campus, in Tehran, Iran, Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian prays at second right. (Office of the Iranian Supreme Leader via AP)

In this photo released by the official website of the office of the Iranian supreme leader, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, third right, leads a prayer over the coffins of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh and his bodyguard who were killed in an assassination blamed on Israel on Wednesday, during their funeral ceremony at the Tehran University campus, in Tehran, Iran, Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian prays at second right. (Office of the Iranian Supreme Leader via AP)

A Russian Plane, believed to be carrying released Russian prisoners, leaves the Ankara Airport, Turkey, Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024. (AP Photo)

A Russian Plane, believed to be carrying released Russian prisoners, leaves the Ankara Airport, Turkey, Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024. (AP Photo)

Leon Marchand, of France, competes in the men's 200-meter breaststroke final at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Wednesday, July 31, 2024, in Nanterre, France. Marchand won gold setting a new Olympic record. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

Leon Marchand, of France, competes in the men's 200-meter breaststroke final at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Wednesday, July 31, 2024, in Nanterre, France. Marchand won gold setting a new Olympic record. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

Shinnosuke Oka, left, and teammate Daiki Hashimoto, of Japan, celebrate after Oka won the gold during the men's artistic gymnastics all-around finals in Bercy Arena at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Wednesday, July 31, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)

Shinnosuke Oka, left, and teammate Daiki Hashimoto, of Japan, celebrate after Oka won the gold during the men's artistic gymnastics all-around finals in Bercy Arena at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Wednesday, July 31, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)

Flames rise amid the billowing smoke from a wildland fire burning along the ridges near the Ken Caryl Ranch development Wednesday, July 31, 2024, southwest of Littleton, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Flames rise amid the billowing smoke from a wildland fire burning along the ridges near the Ken Caryl Ranch development Wednesday, July 31, 2024, southwest of Littleton, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump walks off stage after speaking at the National Association of Black Journalists, NABJ, convention, Wednesday, July 31, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)

Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump walks off stage after speaking at the National Association of Black Journalists, NABJ, convention, Wednesday, July 31, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)

People protest to condemn the killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, in Istanbul, Turkey, Wednesday, July 31, 2024. (AP Photo/Khalil Hamra)

People protest to condemn the killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, in Istanbul, Turkey, Wednesday, July 31, 2024. (AP Photo/Khalil Hamra)

A protester weeps as the others hold an anti-Israeli placard and a poster of the Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a demonstration to condemn killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, at Felestin (Palestine) Sq. in Tehran, Iran, Wednesday, July 31, 2024. Haniyeh was assassinated in Tehran, Iran's paramilitary Revolutionary Guard said early Wednesday. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi)

A protester weeps as the others hold an anti-Israeli placard and a poster of the Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a demonstration to condemn killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, at Felestin (Palestine) Sq. in Tehran, Iran, Wednesday, July 31, 2024. Haniyeh was assassinated in Tehran, Iran's paramilitary Revolutionary Guard said early Wednesday. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi)

President Nicolas Maduro gestures during a news conference at Miraflores presidential palace in Caracas, Venezuela, Wednesday, July 31, 2024, three days after his disputed reelection. (AP Photo/Matias Delacroix)

President Nicolas Maduro gestures during a news conference at Miraflores presidential palace in Caracas, Venezuela, Wednesday, July 31, 2024, three days after his disputed reelection. (AP Photo/Matias Delacroix)

NEW/DEVELOPING

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Adds: BRITAIN-CHILDREN-STABBED-MISINFORMATION; WILDFIRES; OLY-NBC’S-OLYMPICS; ICE-BUCKET-CHALLENGE; OLY-GYM-WOMEN’S-ALL-AROUND; VENEZUELA-ELECTION; VENEZUELA-ELECTIONS:-PHOTO-COLLECTION; UNITED STATES-RUSSIA-PRISONER SWAP:-PHOTO-COLLECTION; EVAN-GERSHKOVICH:-PHOTO-COLLECTION; INDIA’S ABANDONED ELDERLY PORTRAITS: PHOTO-COLLECTION; OLY-SWM-SWIMMING; BBN-OHTANI-SPORTS-GAMBLING-INVESTIGATION; CALIFORNIA-ANIMALS-BEHIND-THE-FIRE-LINES; JIMMY-CARTER-100TH-BIRTHDAY; RUSSIA-PRISONER-SWAP-THINGS-TO-KNOW; OLY-BKL-GRINER-PRISONER-SWAP

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ONLY ON AP

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AP POLL-ELECTION 2024-DEM VP — As Vice President Kamala Harris prepares to announce her running mate, a new poll from the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research finds that several of the top potential contenders for the role are largely unknown to voters. Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly stands out as a prospect who has more name recognition — and higher favorability, particularly among Democrats. By Linley Sanders and Seung Min Kim. SENT: 1,060 words, photos, audio.

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TOP STORIES

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UNITED STATES-RUSSIA-PRISONER SWAP — The United States and Russia have completed their biggest prisoner swap in post-Soviet history, with Moscow releasing journalist Evan Gershkovich and fellow American Paul Whelan, along with dissidents including Vladimir Kara-Murza, in a multinational deal that set two dozen people free. By Eric Tucker, Dasha Litvinova and Matthew Lee. SENT: 1,340 words, photos, videos. With UNITED STATES-RUSSIA-PRISONER SWAP-THE LATEST; RUSSIA-PRISONER-SWAP-THINGS-TO-KNOW; RUSSIA-PRISONER SWAP-HISTORY — As a historic prisoner exchange unfolds, a look back at other famous East-West swaps; RUSSIA-PRISONER-SWAP-GLANCE; US-RUSSIA-PRISONER SWAP-KRASIKOV — Putin called him a patriot. But who is Vadim Krasikov, a Russian released in the mass prisoner swap? MIDDLE EAST TENSIONS-UNITED STATES — Israel’s leader is ever more openly at odds with Biden administration efforts to calm the region; OLY-BKL-GRINER-PRISONER-SWAP — Brittney Griner: ‘Head over heels’ for Americans coming home in prisoner swap; UNITED STATES-RUSSIA-PRISONER SWAP:-PHOTO-COLLECTION — 12 photos; EVAN-GERSHKOVICH:-PHOTO-COLLECTION — 18 photos (all sent).

IRAN-HAMAS — Hezbollah’s leader has warned that the conflict with Israel has entered a “new phase,” as he addressed mourners at the funeral of a commander from the group who was killed by an Israeli airstrike this week in Beirut. SENT: 1,030 words, photos, video, audio. With ISRAEL-PALESTINIANS — Israel says it has confirmed that chief of Hamas’ military wing was killed in a July strike in Gaza; IRAN-LEBANON-ISRAEL-RETALIATION — For Iran and Hezbollah, calibrating response to Israeli strikes leaves no room for error; ISRAEL-IRAN-SHADOW WAR — Hamas leader’s assassination sheds light on a long history of alleged Israeli attacks in Iran; MIDEAST-TENSIONS-THE-LATEST (all sent).

HARRIS-TEXAS CONGRESSWOMAN — Vice President Kamala Harris has eulogized longtime U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee as a “force of nature” as memorials for the longtime Democratic lawmaker drew to a close. Harris took time away from her presidential campaign to describe Jackson Lee, who represented Houston in Congress, as a coalition builder and expert in the legislative process. By Juan A. Lozano and Chris Megerian. SENT: 600 words, photos, videos.

INDIA'S-ABANDONED-ELDERLY — In its traditions, in its religious tenets and in its laws, India has long cemented the belief that it is a child’s duty to care for his aging parents. But in a land known for revering its elderly, a secret shame has emerged: A burgeoning population of older people abandoned by their own families. By Matt Sedensky. SENT: 2,680 words, photos, video. With INDIA'S ABANDONED ELDERLY PORTRAITS: PHOTO-COLLECTION — 12 photos (sent).

OLY-THE OLYMPIC TRUCE — More than 100 conflicts fester around the world. The Middle East teeters on the brink of a regional war. In Ukraine, Russia advances slowly but steadily in the east, reducing towns to rubble. The “Olympic Truce,” clearly, is not being heeded. By Mallika Sen and Hanna Arhirova. SENT: 1,040 words, photos.

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SPOTLIGHTING VOICES

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RUSSIA-UKRAINE-WAR-PALESTINIAN-DOCTOR — In Ukraine, he is Alya Shabaanovich Gali. He’s a doctor with lines of patients waiting for him. To family in Gaza, he is Alaa Shabaan Abu Ghali. He’s the one who left. Gali moved decades ago. Through calls, he kept up with family in Gaza. But mostly, their lives played out in parallel. On July 8, wars collided for Gali. Weeks after learning of relatives’ deaths in Gaza, the medical center where he works was hit by a missile. By Samya Kullab. SENT: 1,200 words, photos.

HAWAII-WILDFIRE-COLLEGE-SCHOLARSHIPS — Nearly a year after the deadliest U.S. wildfire in more than a century destroyed their historic Maui town, there’s a bright spot for 13 recent Lahainaluna High School graduates who are receiving scholarships that will cover the cost of attending an out-of-state college. It’s a life-changing opportunity for most any Hawaii high school student, but even bigger for those who survived the fire that left behind so much uncertainty in their lives. By Jennifer Sinco Kelleher. SENT: 720 words, photos.

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PARIS OLYMPICS

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OLY-GYM-WOMEN'S-ALL-AROUND — Simone Biles edges Brazil’s Rebeca Andrade for her second Olympic all-around gymnastics title. SENT: 870 words, photos. OLY-GYM-WOMEN’S-ALL-AROUND-THE-LATEST (sent).

OLY-SWM-SWIMMING — Canada’s Summer McIntosh claims 2nd swimming gold medal of the Paris Olympics. SENT: 200 words, photos.

OLY-NBC'S-OLYMPICS — The Snoop Olympics: Paris proving a boon to NBC after interest waned in Tokyo and Beijing Games. SENT: 770 words.

You can find Summer Olympics 2024-The Daily Rundown in your CMS or in AP Newsroom.

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RUSSIA UKRAINE WAR

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RUSSIA-UKRAINE-WAR-F-16S-EXPLAINER — The American-made F-16 is an iconic fighter jet that’s been the front-line combat plane of choice for the NATO alliance and numerous air forces around the world for 50 years. SENT: 1,070 words, photo, video.

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MORE NEWS

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BBN-OHTANI-SPORTS-GAMBLING-INVESTIGATION — Bookmaker to plead guilty in gambling case tied to baseball star Shohei Ohtani’s ex-interpreter. SENT: 610 words.

JIMMY-CARTER-100TH-BIRTHDAY — Jimmy Carter’s 100th birthday to be celebrated with musical gala at Atlanta’s Fox Theatre. SENT: 320 words, photos.

FILM-BRITNEY-SPEARS-BIOPIC — Universal Pictures has landed the rights to Britney Spears’ memoir “The Woman in Me” and will develop a biopic of the pop star.SENT: 240 words, photo.

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WASHINGTON/POLITICS

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ELECTION 2024-TRUMP — The backlash against Donald Trump’s attack on Kamala Harris’ racial identity intensifies. Democrats express new outrage and some Republicans distance themselves from Trump’s comments. Trump is shrugging off the criticism and doubling down. By Steve Peoples and Matt Brown. UPCOMING: 1,020 words, photos, video by 7 p.m. With ELECTION 2024-FUNDRAISING — Trump’s campaign and its related affiliates raised $138.7 million last month — less than what Harris took in during the opening week of her White House bid.

OSPREY-CRASH — A deadly Osprey aircraft crash last November off Japan was caused by cracks in a metal gear and the pilot’s decision to keep flying rather than heed multiple warnings that he should land, according to an Air Force investigation. By Tara Copp. SENT: 1,230 words, photos.

SUPREME-COURT-IMMUNITY-CONGRESS — Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer introduces legislation reaffirming that presidents do not have immunity for criminal actions, an attempt to reverse the Supreme Court’s landmark decision last month. SENT: 520 words, photo. With CONGRESS-CHILD TAX CREDIT — Senate Democrats tee up vote on child tax credit in election-year pitch to families (sent).

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NATIONAL

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WHITEY BULGER — An inmate has been sentenced to more than four years for his role in the 2018 fatal bludgeoning of notorious Boston gangster James “Whitey” Bulger in a troubled West Virginia federal prison. SENT: 860 words, photos.

ABORTION-UTAH — A near-total abortion ban will remain on hold in Utah after the state Supreme Court ruled that the law should remain blocked until a lower court can assess its constitutionality. SENT: 710 words, photo.

MEXICO-SINALOA-CARTEL — A powerful Mexican drug cartel leader has made his second appearance in federal court in Texas after being taken into U.S. custody last week. SENT: 320 words, photos.

WILDFIRES — A wildfire on the edge of metro Denver has crept within a quarter-mile of evacuated homes, but authorities said Thursday they were hopeful that hundreds of threatened residences could be saved as they grapple with sweltering temperatures and firefighters suffering heat exhaustion. SENT: 630 words, photos, video. With CALIFORNIA-ANIMALS-BEHIND-THE-FIRE-LINES — Behind the lines of red-hot wildfires, volunteers save animals with a warm heart and a cool head (sent).

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INTERNATIONAL

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BRITAIN-CHILDREN-STABBED — British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has condemned the “tiny mindless minority” behind unrest that has plagued several cities after a horrific stabbing at a children’s dance class and vowed to put a stop to it as the 17-year-old suspect was publicly named in part to counter misinformation blamed as one cause of the fiery clashes. SENT: 1,020 words, photos, video, audio. With BRITAIN-CHILDREN-STABBED-MISINFORMATION — Online misinformation fueled tensions over the stabbing attack in Britain that killed 3 children (sent).

VENEZUELA-ELECTION — Diplomatic efforts are underway to persuade President Nicolás Maduro to release vote tallies from Venezuela’s presidential election, after opposition leaders disputed his claim of victory and amid increasing calls for an independent review of the results, according to officials from Brazil and México. SENT: 620 words, photos, video, audio. With VENEZUELA-ELECTIONS:-PHOTO-COLLECTION — 37 photos (sent).

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HEALTH & SCIENCE

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AFRICA-MPOX-OUTBREAK — African health officials say mpox cases have spiked by 160% so far this year, warning the risk of further spread is high given the lack of effective treatments or vaccines on the continent. SENT: 620 words, photo.

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BUSINESS

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SAGAFTRA-INTERACTIVE-STRIKE —More than 300 video game performers and Hollywood actors have picketed in front of the Warner Bros. Studios building to protest against what they call an unwillingness from top gaming companies to protect union voice actors and motion capture workers equally against the unregulated use of artificial intelligence. SENT: 850 words, photos.

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HOW TO REACH US

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At the Nerve Center, Jerome Minerva can be reached at 800-845-8450, ext. 1600. For photos, ext. 1900. For graphics and interactives, ext. 7636. Expanded AP content can be obtained from AP Newsroom. For access to AP Newsroom and other technical issues, contact apcustomersupport@ap.org or call 844-777-2006.

Cameron Wood of The United States leads other riders as he competes in the men's BMX racing event, at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024, in Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, France. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)

Cameron Wood of The United States leads other riders as he competes in the men's BMX racing event, at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024, in Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, France. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)

Kate Douglass, of the United States, celebrates after winning the women's 200-meter breaststroke final at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Nanterre, France, Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)

Kate Douglass, of the United States, celebrates after winning the women's 200-meter breaststroke final at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Nanterre, France, Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)

Simone Biles, of the United States, performs on the balance beam during the women's artistic gymnastics all-around finals in Bercy Arena at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)

Simone Biles, of the United States, performs on the balance beam during the women's artistic gymnastics all-around finals in Bercy Arena at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)

Vice President Kamala Harris delivers a eulogy for U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee as former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, left, listens, Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024, in Houston. (AP Photo/LM Otero)

Vice President Kamala Harris delivers a eulogy for U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee as former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, left, listens, Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024, in Houston. (AP Photo/LM Otero)

In this photo released by the official website of the office of the Iranian supreme leader, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, third right, leads a prayer over the coffins of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh and his bodyguard who were killed in an assassination blamed on Israel on Wednesday, during their funeral ceremony at the Tehran University campus, in Tehran, Iran, Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian prays at second right. (Office of the Iranian Supreme Leader via AP)

In this photo released by the official website of the office of the Iranian supreme leader, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, third right, leads a prayer over the coffins of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh and his bodyguard who were killed in an assassination blamed on Israel on Wednesday, during their funeral ceremony at the Tehran University campus, in Tehran, Iran, Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian prays at second right. (Office of the Iranian Supreme Leader via AP)

A Russian Plane, believed to be carrying released Russian prisoners, leaves the Ankara Airport, Turkey, Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024. (AP Photo)

A Russian Plane, believed to be carrying released Russian prisoners, leaves the Ankara Airport, Turkey, Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024. (AP Photo)

Leon Marchand, of France, competes in the men's 200-meter breaststroke final at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Wednesday, July 31, 2024, in Nanterre, France. Marchand won gold setting a new Olympic record. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

Leon Marchand, of France, competes in the men's 200-meter breaststroke final at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Wednesday, July 31, 2024, in Nanterre, France. Marchand won gold setting a new Olympic record. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

Shinnosuke Oka, left, and teammate Daiki Hashimoto, of Japan, celebrate after Oka won the gold during the men's artistic gymnastics all-around finals in Bercy Arena at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Wednesday, July 31, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)

Shinnosuke Oka, left, and teammate Daiki Hashimoto, of Japan, celebrate after Oka won the gold during the men's artistic gymnastics all-around finals in Bercy Arena at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Wednesday, July 31, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)

Flames rise amid the billowing smoke from a wildland fire burning along the ridges near the Ken Caryl Ranch development Wednesday, July 31, 2024, southwest of Littleton, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Flames rise amid the billowing smoke from a wildland fire burning along the ridges near the Ken Caryl Ranch development Wednesday, July 31, 2024, southwest of Littleton, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump walks off stage after speaking at the National Association of Black Journalists, NABJ, convention, Wednesday, July 31, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)

Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump walks off stage after speaking at the National Association of Black Journalists, NABJ, convention, Wednesday, July 31, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)

People protest to condemn the killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, in Istanbul, Turkey, Wednesday, July 31, 2024. (AP Photo/Khalil Hamra)

People protest to condemn the killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, in Istanbul, Turkey, Wednesday, July 31, 2024. (AP Photo/Khalil Hamra)

A protester weeps as the others hold an anti-Israeli placard and a poster of the Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a demonstration to condemn killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, at Felestin (Palestine) Sq. in Tehran, Iran, Wednesday, July 31, 2024. Haniyeh was assassinated in Tehran, Iran's paramilitary Revolutionary Guard said early Wednesday. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi)

A protester weeps as the others hold an anti-Israeli placard and a poster of the Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a demonstration to condemn killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, at Felestin (Palestine) Sq. in Tehran, Iran, Wednesday, July 31, 2024. Haniyeh was assassinated in Tehran, Iran's paramilitary Revolutionary Guard said early Wednesday. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi)

President Nicolas Maduro gestures during a news conference at Miraflores presidential palace in Caracas, Venezuela, Wednesday, July 31, 2024, three days after his disputed reelection. (AP Photo/Matias Delacroix)

President Nicolas Maduro gestures during a news conference at Miraflores presidential palace in Caracas, Venezuela, Wednesday, July 31, 2024, three days after his disputed reelection. (AP Photo/Matias Delacroix)

Next Article

Victims of Maine's deadliest shooting start process of suing the Army

2024-10-15 16:08 Last Updated At:16:10

LEWISTON, Maine (AP) — Lawyers representing 100 survivors and family members of victims of the deadliest shooting in Maine history have begun the formal process of suing the Army and an Army hospital for failing to act to stop the reservist responsible for the tragedy, attorneys announced Tuesday.

The individual notices of claim say the Army was aware of the reservist's mental health decline that left him paranoid, delusional and expressing homicidal ideations, producing a “hit list” of those he wanted to attack.

“It is difficult to conceive of a case in which Army personnel could have more warning signs and opportunities to intervene to prevent a service member from committing a mass shooting than what happened in the case of Army Reservist Robert Card,” lawyers wrote in their notices mailed Friday.

The notices of claim by four law firms are a required step in suing the federal government. The Army will have six months to determine whether to respond, after which a lawsuit may be filed.

Eighteen people were killed when the 40-year-old Card opened fire at two locations he'd frequented — a bowling alley and a cornhole league hosted by a bar and grill — on Oct. 25, 2023. Another 13 people were injured. Card was found dead two days later from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

An independent commission appointed by Maine's governor concluded that there were ample opportunities to intervene by both civilian law enforcement and the Army. For now, lawyers for victims and family and friends who suffered loss are focusing on the Army, and not a private hospital that treated Card or civilian law enforcement.

The Department of Defense, U.S. Army and Army Keller Hospital “broke its promises, failed to act reasonably, violated its own polices and procedures and disregarded directives and orders,” the claim said.

In September 2023, when Card threatened to “shoot up” an armory and his friend warned of "a mass shooting,” the Army failed to provide critical background about two doctors recommending that Card not have access to weapons when it requested that local law enforcement officers check on his well being. Card's commanding officer even downplayed the threat by undercutting the credibility of the soldier who issued the warning, and by declining to share all information at his disposal, the claims said.

Cynthia Young, whose husband William and 14-year-old son Aaron were killed at the bowling alley, said in a statement that pain and trauma never goes away. “As terrible as the shooting was it’s even more tragic that there were many opportunities to prevent this and they were not taken,” she added.

The filings said there may have been a time when mass shootings were so rare that they couldn’t be predicted but “that has not been true in America for decades.”

“Mass shootings, like what happened in Lewiston, are an epidemic in America. Consequently, those in positions of responsibility and authority are required to appreciate the warning signs and behaviors that telegraph the risk of mass violence, take them seriously, and act to prevent their occurrence," the claims said.

FILE - A man photographs a make-shift memorial at the base of the Lewiston sign at Veteran's Memorial Park, Oct. 29, 2023, in Lewiston, Maine. (AP Photo/Matt York, File)

FILE - A man photographs a make-shift memorial at the base of the Lewiston sign at Veteran's Memorial Park, Oct. 29, 2023, in Lewiston, Maine. (AP Photo/Matt York, File)

FILE - A woman visits a makeshift memorial outside Sparetime Bowling Alley, the site of a mass shooting, Oct. 28, 2023, in Lewiston, Maine. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty, File)

FILE - A woman visits a makeshift memorial outside Sparetime Bowling Alley, the site of a mass shooting, Oct. 28, 2023, in Lewiston, Maine. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty, File)

FILE - Rain-soaked memorials for those who died in a mass shooting sit along the roadside by Schemengees Bar & Grille, Oct. 30, 2023, in Lewiston, Maine. (AP Photo/Matt York, File)

FILE - Rain-soaked memorials for those who died in a mass shooting sit along the roadside by Schemengees Bar & Grille, Oct. 30, 2023, in Lewiston, Maine. (AP Photo/Matt York, File)

FILE - Law enforcement personnel are staged in a school parking lot during a manhunt for Robert Card in the aftermath of a mass shooting in Lewiston, Maine, Oct. 27, 2023. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke, File)

FILE - Law enforcement personnel are staged in a school parking lot during a manhunt for Robert Card in the aftermath of a mass shooting in Lewiston, Maine, Oct. 27, 2023. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke, File)

FILE — In this image taken from New York State Police body camera video that was obtained by WMTW-TV 8 in Portland, Maine, New York State Police interview Army reservist Robert Card, the man responsible for Maine's deadliest mass shooting, at Camp Smith, in Cortlandt, N.Y., July 16, 2023. (WMTW-TV 8/New York State Police via AP, File)

FILE — In this image taken from New York State Police body camera video that was obtained by WMTW-TV 8 in Portland, Maine, New York State Police interview Army reservist Robert Card, the man responsible for Maine's deadliest mass shooting, at Camp Smith, in Cortlandt, N.Y., July 16, 2023. (WMTW-TV 8/New York State Police via AP, File)

FILE - Law enforcement gather outside Schemengee's Bar and Grille, Thursday, Oct. 26, 2023, in Lewiston, Maine. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty, File)

FILE - Law enforcement gather outside Schemengee's Bar and Grille, Thursday, Oct. 26, 2023, in Lewiston, Maine. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty, File)

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