Additional Coverage:
Fatal Airport Shooting: Suspect Killed After Refusing to Drop Knife at Lambert International
ST. LOUIS – A tense encounter at St.
Louis Lambert International Airport early Friday morning resulted in the fatal shooting of a knife-wielding suspect by airport police. Authorities report the incident unfolded around 1:05 a.m. local time during routine security checks in Terminal 1.
According to the St. Louis County Police, officers from the STL Airport Police Department encountered an adult male armed with a knife.
Despite repeated orders to drop the weapon, the suspect reportedly refused to comply. An officer deployed a Taser in an attempt to subdue the individual, but the suspect continued to advance towards law enforcement personnel.
In response, a second officer discharged their service weapon, striking the suspect. The individual was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Investigators have confirmed that both officers involved in the incident have prior law enforcement experience and have been with the STL Airport Police for six months and one year, respectively. The St. Louis County Police Bureau of Crimes Against Persons detectives are now overseeing the review of the shooting.
The identity of the deceased suspect has not yet been released to the public.
Rhonda Hamm-Niebruegge, CEO and Airport Director of St. Louis Lambert International Airport, addressed the incident, stating, “Today’s incident in Terminal One was a tragic event for our Airport Community.
However, I take great pride in our response. As police responded and county authorities conducted their investigation, we were able to continue normal operations at STL.”
She added that the Terminal One MetroLink station was temporarily closed for approximately three hours, with shuttle buses providing alternative transportation for riders. The airport is fully cooperating with the ongoing investigation by the St. Louis County Police Department.