Police Kill Knife-Wielding Suspect at St. Louis Airport

A tense confrontation at 1 a.m. turned fatal after a man with a knife advanced on officers despite taser deployment.

Here’s what went down

Read this if you track police protocol, airport security, or use-of-force cases

What Just Happened

STL Airport Police were doing routine checks when they encountered a man armed with a knife. He refused repeated commands, was tased, continued advancing, and was fatally shot by a second officer. He died at the scene.

What Authorities Are Saying

Police say the suspect ignored commands and posed an immediate threat. Both officers involved have law-enforcement experience despite being relatively new to STL Airport Police. The county’s Crimes Against Persons Bureau is reviewing the shooting.

Operational Impact

Terminal operations continued, but the Terminal One MetroLink station shut down for three hours. Shuttle buses moved passengers while investigators processed the scene. Airport officials praised the response for preventing wider disruption.

What’s Unknown

The suspect’s identity hasn’t been released. Investigators are reviewing body-camera footage, officer reports, and potential mental-health indicators. No officers or bystanders were reported injured.

The Bottom Line

A late-night knife confrontation turned deadly at STL,  and investigators are now dissecting whether force was justified under airport-security standards.