WATCH LOUISVILLE SHOOTING VIDEO
Four people were killed when an employee opened fire in a bank in Louisville, Kentucky, and livestreamed the attack on Instagram.
The victims were aged between 40 and 64. Among nine others injured was a rookie police officer who graduated into the force two weeks ago.
The officer was struck in the head and is still critical after brain surgery.
Police responded within three minutes, and fatally shot the attacker in an exchange of gunfire.
The shooting took place at the Old National Bank in the city centre at about 08:30 local time (12:30 GMT).
Witness Caleb Goodlett told local media that his wife, an employee at the bank, had locked herself inside the vault when the attack began.
Other witnesses described seeing the shootout between police officers and the lone attacker.
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear said an “incredible friend” of his, Tommy Elliot, a senior vice-president at the bank, was among the victims.
“Tommy Elliott helped me build my law career, helped me become governor, gave me advice on being a good dad,” said Mr Beshear.
The victims have all been identified:
- Thomas Elliot, 63
- James Tutt, 64
- Joshua Barrick, 40
- Julianna Farmer, 45
Jim Ryan, CEO of the Old National Bank, said the safety of employees and customers was “paramount”, adding that bank officials were “keeping everyone affected by this tragedy in our thoughts and prayers”.
The officer who was struck in the head was identified as Louisville Metro police officer Nickolas Wilt, 26.
The suspect was named as 23-year-old Connor Sturgeon, who police said used a rifle during the incident and was broadcasting the shooting online.
Instagram’s owner Meta said it had “quickly removed the livestream of this tragic incident this morning”.The attacker is described in an online profile as being a syndications associate and portfolio banker at Old National Bank.
He had joined the company as a full-time employee last year after spending three summers as an intern there.Officials say he had no previous contact with law enforcement.
WATCH: LOUISVILLE KENTUCKY SHOOTING
