The alleged school shooter in St. Louis was able to obtain the AR-15 he used to kill a 16-year-old student and a teacher after authorities confiscated a firearm due to his mental illness.
Orlando Harris, 19, who carried out the attack with an AR-15-style rifle, brought over 600 rounds of ammunition to the school, according to police, who also discovered a journal documenting his intent to carry out the shooting.
During a news conference, St. Louis Metropolitan Police Interim Chief Michael Sack stated that Harris’ family was aware of the man’s mental health issues and not only provided him with therapy but also committed him’several’ times.
Sack continued, “Sometimes that is not sufficient.” He did not explain how Harris was able to obtain a new AR-15 only a few months before the massacre or how he was able to pass through closed doors, security guards, and metal detectors at Central Visual and Performing Arts High School.
He stated, “I understand that this is something that everyone would like to know, but the reality is that every building has weaknesses, whether it be a school, a business, or a police station.”
Sack, who confirmed that Harris ‘had to force admission,’ stated that releasing additional specifics could be detrimental to the institution.
On Tuesday, it was found that Harris left a terrifying note identifying himself as an outcast before entering the secured facility and murdering a pupil and a teacher.
I have no friends, and I have no family. I’ve never had a girlfriend; my social life has never existed. I’ve been a solitary individual my entire life. This was the ideal environment for a mass shooter,’ Harris stated in the note.
Monday, students at Central Visual and Performing Arts High School scrambled to flee a classroom as terrifying footage showed.
A detailed map of the school was also discovered, along with a list of school shooters from across the nation and the number of victims they caused.
He further stated that he desired to be the next national school shooter.
Harris chose an all-black ensemble and earplugs for the attack to shield his hearing from the sound of gunfire.
The Monday video shows children huddled in a classroom after the administrator used a code phrase over the loudspeaker to signal a shooter was on campus.
The instructor then yells, “Let’s go, people!” as the pupils dash to the exit while urging one another to “run!”
Jean Kuczka, 61, taught physical education at the high school; her daughter, Abigail, disclosed that her late mother was concerned about security when a student from another school brought a firearm into the building last semester.
Abigail stated, “She expressed it, but other than that, she didn’t have any other concerns.”
She continued, “I believe people believe it will never happen to them.” She adored her pupils. I am aware that her students regarded her as their mother.’
Alexandria Bell, a 15-year-old girl, was also slain in the incident, along with four other classmates.
Alexandria’s family announced her passing on social media, hours after her mother wrote in a panic that she couldn’t locate her.
Bell was pronounced dead at the spot, whereas Kuczka was brought to the hospital and confirmed dead there.
Three further victims sustained gunshot wounds, with two in stable condition and one undergoing surgery, according to police.
Police have not disclosed how Harris gained access to the building despite the presence of seven security guards, metal detectors, and locked doors.
Harris, according to St. Louis Police Chief Michael Sack, had no criminal record, and his reason for the shooting remains unknown.
At 9 a.m., the principal of the school announced over the air a code phrase that indicates a gunman is inside the school.
Four minutes after getting the call, officers arrived at the area and engaged the shooter eight minutes later.
Before authorities invaded the classroom and fatally shot Harris, the suspect had barricaded himself inside and fired upon them from within.
It is unknown from whom Harris purchased the firearm, however Eli Pimpao, owner of Precision Works LLC, a small arms manufacturer, stated that ‘it is the seller’s responsibility to ensure that the purchaser is eligible’
It is unknown if Harris possessed a firearm license.
At a press conference on Monday, Sack stated, “As children fled the building, they spoke with some of the children who informed them that the shooter was armed with a long gun.”
Sack answered, “We will not discuss how the suspect obtained admission” in response to a reporter’s question regarding how the gunman gained entry.
16-year-old Taniya Gholston recounted being in the dance room when the assailant entered.
She stated that the only reason she survived was because his pistol jammed.
I was in the dancing area. I heard only two gunshots while attempting to flee, but I was unable to do so. And we, both…
She said, “I’m glad I escaped because his gun jammed.”
I believe someone was shot. We observed blood on the ground.
A mother of a student at the school told DailyMail.com that her daughter performed with Harris in the school band.
“She stated that he was calm,” the mother stated. He used to sit alone in the corner. Very anti social.’
Cori Bush, a member of Congress, was also present at the press conference. The Democrat represents the district that contains St. Louis.
Rep. Bush stated, “Today is one of those days, those days that we pray never occur in this country.”
The congresswoman stated, “We want to thank again our first responders, but we also want to thank those teachers, school employees, and administrators that were in place, moving, and prepared.”
Those who were there to support the students previously and those who are there currently.
Bush stated that relatives and victims ‘who don’t know who to talk to’ should call her office for assistance, and that the phone lines will be accessible to anybody in need.
The shooting was initially confirmed by the St. Louis Public Schools Twitter account.
“Police are at Central Visual and Performing Arts this morning in response to reports of an active shooter, and both CVPA and Collegiate are on lockdown,” they announced on Monday.
The district report states that the shooter was soon apprehended by police within CVPA.
The district stated that it would provide information on where parents may reunite with their children.