Police Fatally Shoot Man Wielding Knife Outside St. Louis Airport Terminal

A police officer shot and killed a man at St. Louis Lambert International Airport. The incident occurred early Friday morning outside Terminal 1. The man was reportedly wielding a knife.

Authorities confirmed no other injuries. The airport remained fully operational. The shooting took place outside security checkpoints.

Details of the Early Morning Confrontation

The confrontation happened around 1 a.m. St. Louis County Police spokesperson Vera Clay provided details. Officers first encountered the man in a restricted area.

He refused commands to leave. The man then displayed a knife. Officers attempted to subdue him with Tasers.

That effort was unsuccessful. The man advanced toward the officers. One officer then fired their service weapon.

The man died from his wounds. According to St. Louis County Police, the two involved officers had limited tenure. They had six months and one year of service respectively.

Airport Operations and Ongoing Investigation

The shooting impacted light rail service. The rail line to Terminal 1 closed for about three hours. Shuttle buses transported passengers during the closure.

Airport Director Rhonda Hamm-Niebruegge issued a statement. She confirmed the airport stayed open. Flight schedules were not disrupted.

Police do not believe the man was a traveler. The investigation will determine why he was there. Authorities have not publicly identified the deceased.

This incident marks a rare fatal police shooting at a major U.S. airport. The investigation into the St. Louis airport shooting continues.

Thought you’d like to know

Where exactly did the St. Louis airport shooting happen?

It occurred outside the doors of Terminal 1. The location was near the light rail station drop-off area. This area is not behind security checkpoints.

What weapon did the man have?

The man was wielding a knife. Police stated he showed the knife to officers after refusing to leave a restricted area. Officers used Tasers before the fatal shot was fired.

Were flights at Lambert Airport affected?

No flights were canceled or delayed. The airport remained open. Only the light rail service to Terminal 1 was temporarily suspended.

How experienced were the officers involved?

The two airport police officers had six months and one year on the force. Both had prior law enforcement experience. The investigation is being handled by St. Louis County Police.

Has the man been identified?

Authorities have not released his name. Police said he was not believed to be a passenger. The motive for his presence is under investigation.