Investigation into Louisville Bank Shooting Closed as Police Release Disturbing Report
The shocking details of the Louisville bank shooting in April have been revealed in a 64-page report released by the Louisville police. The report includes excerpts from the shooter’s journal, in which he expressed his surprise at how easy it was to purchase the assault rifle used in the attack. The investigation into the incident has now been closed, with authorities determining that the actions of the officer who shot the gunman were not criminal.
The Ease of Acquiring a Gun
The shooter, Connor Sturgeon, wrote in his journal that he was unsure if his mental health struggles would prevent him from buying a gun. However, just days before the shooting, he acquired an assault rifle, along with ammunition and magazine cartridges, from a gun store in Louisville. Sturgeon described the purchase as “so easy” and called the transaction “ridiculous”. The entire process took approximately 45 minutes and cost him $700.
Mental Health Struggles and Dissatisfaction
In his journal, Sturgeon acknowledged his struggles with mental illness and expressed dissatisfaction with his job and the direction his life was taking. He described himself as “very sick” and suggested that he had lied about his health to avoid further treatment or institutionalization. These revelations shed light on the shooter’s state of mind leading up to the tragic incident.
The Bank Shooting and Investigation Findings
On April 10th, Sturgeon opened fire in a conference room of a downtown high-rise bank building, fatally shooting five co-workers. One of the responding officers was critically wounded, but managed to shoot and kill the gunman in the lobby. Sturgeon fired over 40 rounds during the eight-minute shooting spree. Investigators noted that he did not have a firm understanding of how to operate the weapon, indicating a lack of experience or training.
The report stated that there was no evidence of long-term planning for the attack, although Sturgeon’s journals contained references to his intentions in the days leading up to the shooting. Furthermore, investigators did not find extensive online searches related to gun violence, suggesting that the shooter’s actions were not influenced by external factors.
Lawsuit Against Gun Manufacturer and Family’s Account
Sturgeon’s family has announced their intention to sue the manufacturer of the rifle used in the attack. They claim that his mental health struggles began a year before the shooting, with panic attacks, anxiety, and a suicide attempt. Sturgeon was reportedly receiving treatment from a psychiatrist and taking medication. His mother, Lisa Sturgeon, revealed that the morning of the shooting, Sturgeon’s roommate informed her that he had mentioned his plans to “shoot up Old National” over the phone. She immediately called 911, but her son had already arrived at the bank.
Victims and Aftermath
The five employees killed in the shooting were Joshua Barrick, Deana Eckert, Tommy Elliott, Juliana Farmer, and Jim Tutt Jr. Elliott, a senior vice-president, was a close personal friend of Kentucky’s governor, Andy Beshear. Eight others were injured, including the officer who was shot in the head. After months of rehabilitation, he was released from the hospital in late July.
Conclusion:
The release of the police report on the Louisville bank shooting sheds light on the ease with which the shooter was able to acquire a weapon. The journal entries provide insight into his mental health struggles and dissatisfaction with his life. While the investigation has been closed, the tragedy serves as a reminder of the urgent need for stricter gun control measures and improved mental health support in society. The lawsuit filed by the shooter’s family against the gun manufacturer highlights the potential accountability of the firearms industry in such incidents. It is crucial that society continues to address the complex issues surrounding gun violence to prevent future tragedies.
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