A suspect armed with a knife was fatally shot on Friday morning at St. Louis Lambert International Airport after defying orders to relinquish his weapon, police reported.
The shooting, involving police officers, occurred at approximately 1:05 a.m. local time during routine security patrols in Terminal 1. St. Louis County Police stated that airport officers encountered an adult male armed with a knife.
“The suspect ignored commands to drop the weapon and was subsequently tased by an officer,” police explained. “Despite this, he continued advancing towards the officers, prompting a second officer to discharge his firearm, hitting the suspect.” The man was declared dead at the scene.
Authorities noted that the officers involved in the shooting have been with the STL Airport Police for six months and one year, respectively, with both having prior experience in law enforcement.
Visuals show a terminal at St. Louis Lambert International Airport and TSA officers conducting passenger checks in October 2016. (Photo credits: Jeffrey Greenberg/Universal Images Group via Getty Images; Robyn Beck/AFP via Getty Images)
The St. Louis County Police Bureau of Crimes Against Persons detectives are currently investigating the incident to gather further details.
Fox News Digital reached out to St. Louis Lambert International Airport for comment.
A man walking with his carry-on luggage at St. Louis Lambert International Airport. (Jeffrey Greenberg/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
The suspect has not been publicly identified.
“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,” St. Louis Lambert International Airport CEO and Airport Director Rhonda Hamm-Niebruegge told KSDK.
An American Eagle plane is seen on the tarmac at St Louis Lambert International Airport in St Louis, Missouri, on Oct. 23, 2019. (Daniel Slim/AFP via Getty Images)
“The Terminal One MetroLink station was closed for approximately three hours. During that time, shuttle buses were used to transport riders from Terminal One to the Terminal Two MetroLink station,” she added. “The airport is cooperating with the St. Louis County Police Department as they continue their investigation.”
