On October 24, 2022, a mass shooting occurred at Central Visual and Performing Arts High School in the Southwest Garden section of St. Louis, Missouri, United States when a 19-year-old former student open fired on students and staff killing two and injuring seven before being fatally shot by police.
Background
Central Visual and Performing Arts High School uses the code word "Miles Davis is in the building" to alert students and staff of an active shooter in the building. The school also has several metal detectors, and seven security guards were present on the day of the shooting.
Missouri does not have a red flag law which permits a state court to order the temporary removal of firearms from a person who they believe may present a danger to others or themselves.
Shooting
On October 24, 2022, shortly before the incident, Harris parked his blue 2012 Dodge Avenger near the building before entering the school via a side entryway, walking up to the third floor. Harris was armed with an AR-15 style rifle, more than 600 rounds of ammunition, and about a dozen 30-round magazines. Wearing all black clothing, Harris forcibly made entry by shooting a glass door before opening fire inside the school on the third floor. At 9:11 a.m., police received the first call regarding an active shooter threat at the school. School security officers were credited with identifying Harris's intentions and warning others to allow for authorities to be notified.
One witness said Harris shot the windows of his classroom out, then shouted "You're all going to fucking die" before he attempted to enter their room. At one point, Harris entered a dance class intent on opening fire, but his firearm malfunctioned, allowing occupants to escape. Evacuating students and staff were questioned by responding officers to pinpoint where Harris was located and also followed the sounds of gunfire. Police entered the building at 9:15 a.m., ordered Harris to put his hands up, and subsequently exchanged gunfire with him eight minutes later. After a brief shootout, at 9:25 a.m., Harris was struck and killed. No officers were injured.
During the shooting, students attending Collegiate School of Medicine and Bioscience, which shares the building with Central Visual and Performing Arts High School, were placed under lockdown. Students were evacuated to the nearby Gateway STEM High School.
Victims
Two people were killed by the gunman: 15-year-old sophomore Alexzandria Bell, who was pronounced dead on the scene, and 61-year-old physical education teacher Jean Kuczka, who died at a hospital. In addition to the fatalities, seven people were injured, four from gunshots and three from physical injuries caused by the ensuing chaos and evacuation. One injured victim was shot twice and jumped out a second-story window, breaking his ankle.
Investigation
St. Louis police and federal authorities from the FBI and ATF worked together to search both the school, home and car of the perpetrator to identify a motive. The FBI created a digital evidence collection website where they have asked anyone with photos, video, audio or any other evidence to upload it to aid in the investigation.
After the incident, Harris was described by some who knew him in school as often lonely or quiet, but students in his drama classes said he was outgoing and friendly. Harris left a note inside of his car containing a list of school shootings, school shooters, and death tolls of the incidents. In the note, he stated that he wanted to be the “next national school shooter.” He wrote: “I don’t have any friends, I don’t have any family, I’ve never had a girlfriend, I’ve never had a social life. I’ve been an isolated loner my entire life. This was the perfect storm of a mass shooter.” A map of the school was also found in the car, showing the attack had been planned.
Perpetrator
The perpetrator was identified by authorities as Orlando Harris, a 19-year-old male, of Carondelet, St. Louis. Harris had graduated from the school a year prior and had no adult criminal record. Harris struggled with mental health issues. Harris' family sought mental health treatment for Harris and had at times committed Harris to a mental institution.
On October 8, 2022, Harris attempted to purchase a weapon from a licensed dealer in St. Charles, Missouri, but was denied because of a failed FBI background check. Harris then purchased the AR-15 style rifle used in the shooting from a private individual. No law prevented the private sale.