Police: Note found in CVPA shooter’s car read ‘this was the perfect storm for a mass shooting’

ST. LOUIS, Mo. (KMOV) - On Monday morning, Orlando Harris, 19, entered Central Visual and Performing Arts High School in St. Louis City and opened fire, killing two people, a teacher and a student, according to police.

Harris exchanged shots with St. Louis Metropolitan Police (SLMPD) and was killed.

About the shooter:

According to SLMPD, Harris graduated from CVPA last year. He does not appear to have a large social media presence. He also did not have a criminal history.

In a media briefing Tuesday morning, St. Louis Police said Harris had one gun in his possession at the time of the shooting. The weapon was described as an AR-15-style rifle. In addition, he reportedly had 600 rounds of ammunition.

Inside his blue car, which was found near the school after the shooting, a handwritten note was found. Police said the note read, in part, “I Don’t have any friends I don’t have any family, I’ve never had a girlfriend, I’ve never had a social life, I’ve been an isolated loner my entire life. This was the perfect storm for a mass shooting.”

Neighbors told News 4 they often saw Harris’ blue car parked out front and weren’t aware of any trouble at the the home.

Harris is believed to have lived in a south St. Louis neighborhood. Totes of evidence, including a computer, were seen being taken from the home by the FBI, according to News 4 Chief Investigative Reporter Lauren Trager.

A woman at the scene of the home appeared to be cooperating with FBI and ATF agents. It is unknown if the woman is related to Harris.

Wednesday morning, interim St. Louis Police Chief Michael Sack said Harris’ family has been fully cooperative. He also disclosed that Harris’ family had done everything they could and when they saw him step out of line, they tried to do everything they could to prevent it.

Timeline of events:

• 9:11 a.m. a call came in to 911 about an active shooter.
• 9:15 St. Louis Metropolitan Police (SLMPD) arrived at the school.
• 9:23 SLMPD engaged with Harris.
• 9:25 Harris was shot.
• 9:32 Harris was secured by police.
• 9:52 CVPA building cleared.

At the scene, a 16-year-old girl was pronounced dead. She was identified by family members as Alexzandria Bell.

Teacher Jean Kirk Kuczka, 61, died at the hospital. Seven others, all either 15 and 16 years old, were taken to a hospital and are listed in stable condition.

Among the other victims were three 15-year-old males and a 16-year-old female.

correction: A previous version of this story contained a typo in Harris' statement that police found in his car.

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