A shooter armed with an assault rifle who killed four people in an American bank on Monday has been identified as employee Connor Sturgeon, who live streamed the massacre on Instagram.
Louisville Metropolitan Police Department identified Sturgeon, a 23-year-old who worked as a Syndications Associate and Portfolio Banker at Old National Bank, Louisville, Kentucky.
It is understood Sturgeon had been notified by the bank that he was going to be fired, reports the Mirror.
Officers confirmed the footage was broadcast live on the social media platform, but his account is now understood to have been deactivated. The incident took place around 8.30am this morning.
There are multiple reports online of the banker telling a friend he was feeling suicidal and he planned to "shoot up the bank".
It is reported that Sturgeon left a note for his mother before he carried out the attack. Images have also circulated online showing what appears to be Sturgeon's Instagram account and some of the dark messages posted on there.
In one image a message is shared reading: "THEY WON'T LISTEN TO WORDS OR PROTESTS. LET'S SEE IF THEY HEAR THIS."
Five people were killed, including Sturgeon, with nine being taken to hospital for treatment. The four dead victims were identified as Joshua Barrick, 40, Thomas Elliot, 63, Juliana Farmer, 45, and James Tutt, 64.
Police Chief Jacquelyn Gwinn-Villaroel said Sturgeon fired at officers, who returned fire to “stop that threat”.
A former friend of Sturgeon described him as "a popular kid in high school". The man, who wanted to remain anonymous, said: "I know everyone always says this about shooters but I truly would have never expected it to be him."
Images which were reportedly shared by Sturgeon in a group chat also include memes, one titled 'Monday vibes' has the caption: "I could burn this whole place down".
President Joe Biden released a statement about the shooting on Monday afternoon.
He said: “Once again, our nation mourns after a senseless act of gun violence – Jill and I pray for the lives lost and impacted by today’s shooting.
“Too many Americans are paying for the price of inaction with their lives. When will Republicans in Congress act to protect our communities?"
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