ST. LOUIS — ST. LOUIS—Police, city and school district officials are warning the public that school surveillance and body camera footage from the 2022 fatal school shooting on the campus of Central Visual Performing Arts High School will be released Wednesday, and that they will be graphic.

The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department announced Friday that it had completed its investigation into the shooting which killed two and injured more than a dozen others. The scope of the investigation contributed to why it took so long to reach this point, despite the fact that the incident occurred almost two years ago.

Officials did not reveal any investigative conclusions at a Monday morning news conference, but instead focused on steps taken to cushion the impact of the coming release of videos.

What You Need To Know

  • On Oct. 24, 2022, police say a former CVPA student entered the school and killed a 61-year-old teacher, and a 15-year-old student, and injured others. The suspect was shot and killed by police at the scene

  • On Wednesday, police will release two videos from that incident, including surveillance footage showing the shooter's movements through the school, and video of the shootout between the intruder and police

  • A few dozen people, including victims, their families, and the family of the shooter have already seen the videos, with the assistance of crisis counselors and other resources

  • Authorities urge those who may be re-traumatized by the footage to seek out help, either through the 24/7 crisis hotline at 988 or contacting the city health department’s behavioral health bureau at (314) 657-1585 

“This is something we do not take honor in doing, but we must comply with the state’s open records law and release two videos that we believe fall under Missouri’s sunshine law. The two videos are disturbing and will likely re-traumatize our community. However, we follow the state’s open records law,” said Major Janice Bockstruck, Commander of the SLMPD Force Investigations Unit.

One video will show body camera footage from one of the first ten officers to respond to the scene, including the shootout with the intruder. The other will show school surveillance footage that tracked the shooter’s movement through the building.

“In this video, you will see unarmed security guards who are true heroes. When confronted by an armed suspect, these unarmed security officers relocated for their safety. What you do not see in the video is that they never left the building. They remained inside, tracked the movements of the armed suspect, radioed info in all the while, alerting students and staff of the intruder's presence."

A few dozen people, including shooting victims or their families, as well as the family of the intruder, have already seen the videos. Police Chief Robert Tracy said that happened with the support of crisis support teams, therapy dogs and others.

“It is obvious the two videos will be graphic and will force many victims and their families to re-live this awful tragedy,” he said.

“The videos that will be released this week of the CVPA shooting will give rise to a variety of emotions for our community,” St. Louis Mayor Tishaura Jones said. “Viewing incidents of violence can cause severe feelings of trauma and anxiety. We must continue to remind ourselves, and especially our young people, that it is ok not to be ok and help is available.”

Help is available 24/7 via the crisis suicide lifeline by dialing 988. People who need to be directed to resources can contact the city health department’s behavioral health bureau at (314) 657-1585 or by emailing behavioralhealth@stlouis-mo.gov

Police on Monday credited meetings held with local school district officials and others in the weeks ahead of the shooing that focused on hardening targets with making a difference in what ultimately happened on Oct. 24, 2022. 

A roughly 700 page investigative report is still weeks away from being released.