St. Louis school shooter had gun taken by police a week before attack

Authorities outside St. Louis high school.
(Image credit: TIM VIZER/AFP via Getty Images)

The 19-year-old gunman that killed two and injured seven after opening fire inside a St. Louis high school on Monday had his gun confiscated by police about a week before the attack, authorities revealed Wednesday.

On Oct. 15, the suspect's mother found an AR-15-style rifle in their family home; she then called the police and requested they remove the weapon, per NBC News. The gunman's family knew of his mental health issues and "did everything they could have done" to help him, Police Chief Michael Sack said at a news conference. His mother and sister "worked with him" to ensure he was engaging with others and felt "loved," Sack added.

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Brigid Kennedy

Brigid Kennedy worked at The Week from 2021 to 2023 as a staff writer, junior editor and then story editor, with an interest in U.S. politics, the economy and the music industry.