Missouri: The Central Visual and Performing Arts High School Shooting

On October 24, 2022, a mass shooting occurred at Central Visual and Performing Arts High School in the Southwest Garden neighborhood of St. Louis, Missouri, United States when a 19-year-old former student opened fire on students and staff, killing two and injuring seven before being fatally shot by police.

On October 24, 2022, in St. Louis, Missouri, a tragic event unfolded at Central Visual and Performing Arts High School that would shock the nation. A former student, driven by a complex mix of personal and psychological factors, initiated a shooting that left a community reeling and ignited a nationwide debate on public safety and mental health.

The shooter, identified as a 19‑year‑old individual named Orlando Harris, had a history of behavioral challenges and mental health issues. In the months leading up to the event, school officials and peers noted concerning signs that he might be struggling, though his behavior was not initially seen as a precursor to extreme violence.

On the morning of October 24, 2022, as students and staff gathered for the school day, Harris entered the campus carrying an AR‑15 style rifle and an assortment of ammunition. His actions were sudden and deliberate. Within minutes of his arrival, he opened fire, targeting individuals in the building. The chaos that ensued left two people dead—a 15‑year‑old student and a 61‑year‑old teacher—and several others injured as panic swept through the corridors.

Central Visual and Performing Arts High School uses the code word "Miles Davis is in the building" to alert students and staff of an active shooter in the building. The school also has several metal detectors, and seven security guards were present on the day of the shooting.

Missouri does not have a red flag law which permits a state court to order the temporary removal of firearms from a person who they believe may present a danger to others or themselves.

Law enforcement and emergency services responded with urgency. Officers quickly engaged the shooter in a tense standoff, and after a brief but intense exchange, Harris was fatally shot by police, bringing an abrupt end to the violence. In the wake of the shooting, investigators combed through evidence to piece together the sequence of events. Surveillance footage, eyewitness accounts, and digital evidence painted a picture of a young man deeply troubled by personal demons and a history of mental health struggles.

The investigation also revealed that, despite prior warnings from family members and some school officials, the warning signs had not led to timely intervention. The incident raised critical questions about how schools and law enforcement might better identify and support students at risk of committing acts of violence.

In the aftermath of the tragedy, the St. Louis community was united in grief and determination to prevent similar events in the future. Vigils and memorial services were held to honor the victims, and public forums were convened to discuss the challenges of mental health, gun safety, and school security. Local and state authorities vowed to re-examine security protocols, improve mental health support in schools, and implement measures designed to detect and address early warning signs.

The Central Visual and Performing Arts High School shooting has since become a catalyst for policy discussions at multiple levels of government. Advocates called for stricter background checks, improved mental health care access, and comprehensive violence prevention strategies. These discussions continue to influence policy debates across Missouri and beyond.

For many in Missouri, the events of that day remain a deeply emotional reminder of the fragility of safety in our educational institutions. The tragedy has sparked an ongoing dialogue about the balance between individual rights and public safety, and the role of community support in mitigating risk factors associated with violence.

While the scars of the shooting may never fully fade, the collective resolve to learn from the tragedy and build a more resilient and compassionate society endures. The story of Central Visual and Performing Arts High School is now a chapter in Missouri’s history—a somber reminder of the past and a call to action for a safer future.