The tragic missteps before a St. Louis school shooting

In Missouri, a state with extensive gun rights, Orlando Harris’ family begged police to intervene as his mental health deteriorated. Despite their efforts, 19-year-old Harris kept his guns and later used them in a tragic school shooting.

The extensive police report highlights numerous missed opportunities for intervention, including psychiatrist warnings, blocked firearm purchases and family warnings before Harris’ Oct. 24, 2022, attack at Central Visual and Performing Arts High School.

This tragedy sheds light on the systemic challenges of restricting guns of those considered dangerous, especially in states without red flag laws, and highlights the dire need for coordinated legislative and spiritual solutions.

(With input from agencies.)