Man shot and killed after wielding a knife at St. Louis airport, police say

ST. LOUIS, Mo. (KMOV/Gray News) - A St. Louis County police officer shot and killed a man wielding a knife at the St. Louis Lambert International Airport Friday, according to authorities.

The St. Louis County Police Department reported the shooting happened at about 1 a.m. at Terminal One in an area that isn’t behind a security checkpoint.

Officers were conducting routine checks when they encountered a man, who was not identified, in an area where he wasn’t allowed. According to police, the man refused to leave and when officers went to move him, he brandished a knife.

The suspect refused to drop the weapon, and officers used Tasers on him in an attempt to stop him in a non-lethal manner.

However, police said the man continued to advance towards the officers and one of them fired his gun, striking the man.

He was pronounced dead at the scene.

No other suspects were involved, and none of the officers were injured.

“We don’t believe this was an individual trying to catch an airplane or coming into town,” St. Louis County Police spokesperson Vera Clay said.

In a statement, a spokesperson for the Lambert Airport said the airport remained open as authorities conducted their investigation. The Terminal 1 Metrolink station, a light rail system that takes people to the terminal, was closed for three hours and shuttles were available to take travelers to other drop-off points.

“Today’s incident in Terminal One was a tragic event for our Airport Community. However, I take great pride in our response,” the statement said. “As police responded and county authorities conducted their investigation, we were able to continue normal operations at STL.”

In the statement, the airport said they are cooperating with the investigation.

St. Louis County Police are leading the investigation, which is currently active.

Anyone with information regarding the incident is asked to contact the St. Louis County Police Department at 636-529-8210.