The CVPA school shooting in St. Louis left two people dead and several injured after a former student opened fire inside the high school.
Central Visual and Performing Arts High School — St. Louis, Missouri — October 24, 2022
A tragic school shooting unfolded at Central Visual and Performing Arts High School in St. Louis when a former student entered the building and opened fire, leaving two people dead and several others injured.
The incident began in the morning when the 19-year-old suspect forced entry into the school and began shooting at students and staff. Emergency calls were placed immediately, prompting a rapid law enforcement response.
Authorities confirmed that two victims were killed in the attack — a teenage student and a teacher — while multiple others sustained injuries. Responding officers entered the building and confronted the shooter, ultimately fatally shooting him and bringing the incident to an end.
Investigators later revealed that the suspect was a former student of the school and had planned the attack in advance. He was armed with a rifle and carried significant ammunition at the time of the shooting.
The incident caused widespread panic, leading to the evacuation of students and staff, while nearby schools were placed on lockdown as a precaution. Emergency responders treated victims on-site and transported the injured to nearby hospitals.
The shooting had a lasting impact on the St. Louis community, prompting renewed discussions around school security, emergency preparedness, and violence prevention. Counseling and support services were made available to students, families, and staff affected by the tragedy.
Authorities conducted a full investigation into the suspect’s background, including potential warning signs and how the weapon was obtained, as part of efforts to understand and prevent similar incidents in the future.
The CVPA school shooting remains one of the most significant school-related tragedies in Missouri in recent years, with its impact still felt across the community.