St. Louis County, Mo. — Authorities have identified the man fatally shot in an officer-involved incident at St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL) early on November 21, 2025.
The deceased has been identified as 31-year-old Darius Kennedy. According to the St. Louis County Police Department, STL Airport Police officers were conducting routine security checks in Terminal 1 at approximately 1:05 a.m. when they encountered Kennedy carrying a knife.
Officers reported that Kennedy refused to drop the weapon and was initially tased by one officer. Despite this, he continued to advance toward the officers, prompting a second officer to discharge his service weapon, striking Kennedy. He was pronounced dead at the scene. No officers or bystanders were injured during the incident.
The St. Louis County Police Bureau of Crimes Against Persons has assumed responsibility for the investigation. Authorities noted that preliminary details are subject to change as the investigation continues and additional information becomes available.
This tragic event is under active review, and investigators are working to understand the full circumstances surrounding the encounter. Officials emphasized the seriousness of the incident and their commitment to a thorough, transparent investigation.
