### Family's Desperate Plea Ignored Before Tragic School Shooting in Missouri

In an all-too-familiar scenario, the family of 19-year-old Orlando Harris made desperate attempts to prevent a tragedy, pleading with Missouri police to seize Harris' firearms and bullet-proof vest due to his fragile mental state. Despite their fears, law enforcement could only suggest he store the weapon away, given Missouri's broad gun rights laws. Nine days later, the former student returned to his St. Louis high school, resulting in the deaths of a student and a teacher, and injuries to seven others before he was killed by police.

A recent 456-page police report unveils the family's extensive efforts to avert the October 24, 2022, shooting at Central Visual Arts and Performing Arts High School. These tragic events spotlight the challenges law enforcement faces in states without red-flag laws, intended to restrict or temporarily remove firearms from individuals who may pose a danger.

Orlando Harris had a history of mental health struggles with suicide attempts beginning in fall 2021. External factors like the COVID-19 pandemic, a friend's arrest in a homicide, and a car accident possibly exacerbated his depressive state. Instead of pursuing higher education, Harris took up a job at a senior facility's cafeteria, where he openly discussed firearms with colleagues.

By August 2022, Harris sought psychiatric help at Washington University, even admitting fleeting thoughts of perpetrating violence at his old high school. Although he denied intent or planning, his actions soon took a darker turn. He meticulously planned the attack, mapping the school and targeting specific groups, while also entertaining thoughts of harming his own family.

The intervention attempts grew urgent by October. Harris' mother, Tanya Ward, sought help from BJC Mental Health Services after discovering packages containing a body armor vest and ammunition. Having found the rifle hidden in Harris' room, she reached out to local police, who were unable to confiscate the firearm because Harris was legally of age. Officers suggested storing the weapon in a storage facility and advised on procedures to have Harris declared mentally unstable.

Despite Harris' family's fears, a storage unit was the only solution police could offer. Tragically, their worst fears materialized on October 24 when Harris stormed into his former high school. Security personnel noted Harris had not been bullied and was somewhat popular, yet his actions on that day resulted in a teacher and a student's death.

As Harris fired indiscriminately, one student reported hearing him proclaim his hatred for the school and everyone in it. Physical education teacher Jean Kuczka lost her life while protecting her students, and tenth-grader Alexzandria Bell succumbed to her injuries despite initial attempts to flee.

Orlando Harris eventually retreated to a computer lab where he was confronted and killed by police. One officer, whose own daughter attended the school, expressed the gravity of the situation as he engaged in the shooting. Harris' family, left to grapple with the aftermath, underscored the tragic consequences of missed opportunities to intervene in his mental health crisis.

The case underscores the significant challenges in preventing such tragedies in states lacking comprehensive legislation to address potential threats posed by individuals with severe mental health issues.