The police report released on Tuesday regarding the Louisville bank shooting in April provides insight into the motives of the gunman, Connor Sturgeon. The report includes excerpts from Sturgeon’s journal, where he expressed his outrage over what he considered lax gun laws in the nation. Sturgeon hoped that a violent rampage targeting white victims would compel politicians to take action on gun control. His journal entries also revealed his mental health struggles, dissatisfaction with his job, and disappointment with the direction of his life.
On April 10, Sturgeon entered the Old National Bank on East Main Street and opened fire on his co-workers in a conference room. The shooting resulted in the deaths of five individuals and left eight others injured, including a responding officer. Sturgeon fired more than 40 rounds in approximately eight minutes. In his journal entry dated April 4, Sturgeon wrote, “I have decided to make an impact. These people did not deserve to die, but because I was depressed and able to buy [guns], they are gone.”
The report revealed that Sturgeon purchased an AR-15 rifle for $500 on the same day as his journal entry. He also acquired 120 rounds and four magazine cartridges during a 45-minute process. Sturgeon expressed surprise at the ease with which he was able to purchase the weapon, given his mental health struggles.
Sturgeon’s journal entries also targeted lawmakers, whom he criticized for their alleged corruption and lack of action. He specifically accused Democrats of enriching themselves while allowing Republicans to do as they pleased. Sturgeon hoped that his actions would shake politicians into action and bring attention to the issue of gun control.
The report highlighted Sturgeon’s plan, stored in a Notes app, which stated, “They won’t listen to words or protests, so let’s see if they hear this.” Sturgeon reserved his harshest criticism for the National Rifle Association (NRA), blaming them for enabling the tragedy. He sarcastically applauded the NRA’s lobbying efforts, stating, “I couldn’t have done this without all of your lobbying dollars!”
Kentucky’s gun laws allowed Sturgeon to become a gun owner without facing any barriers, as he had no prior criminal record. The state does not have a “red flag” law to prevent potentially dangerous individuals from purchasing firearms. However, even if such a law was in place, Sturgeon’s mental health struggles had not been reported to authorities, potentially making it ineffective in this case.
Sturgeon’s family plans to sue the maker of the rifle used in the attack. The investigation into Sturgeon’s actions has been closed, with authorities determining that the officer who shot him acted within the law. The five victims of the shooting were identified as Joshua Barrick, Deana Eckert, Thomas Elliott, Juliana Farmer, and Jim Tutt Jr. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear shared a personal connection with Thomas Elliott.
The tragic incident raises questions about the need for stricter gun control measures and the importance of addressing mental health issues. It also highlights the ongoing debate surrounding the influence of the NRA in shaping gun laws. As the investigation concludes, the victims’ families continue to mourn their loved ones lost in this senseless act of violence.
