The semi-automatic rifle used to kill five people and injure nine at the Louisville bank shooting on Monday will likely be auctioned off and be “back on the streets,” Mayor Craig Greenberg said.
Greenberg — who has called for an end to the gun violence plaguing his city — said current Kentucky law allows guns seized by the police to go to auction, including those used in violent crimes.
“The assault rifle that killed five of our neighbors will one day be auctioned off,” the mayor said Tuesday. “That murder weapon will be back on the streets.”
The Louisville Metro Police Department has revealed shooterConnor Sturgeon, 25, who was shot dead by responding officers, purchased the AR-15 rifle legally from a local gun dealership on April 4.
LMPD Interim Chief Jacquelyn Gwinn-Villaroel added that police have executed a search warrant at Sturgeon’s residence and recovered several items linked to the investigation.
Greenberg said it was unacceptable for the weapon to be sold again, and vowed his office will continue to alter seized weapons before they’re auctioned to keep them from being used in another homicide, including removing the firing pin.
Greenberg added there have been 40 victims of gun violence in his city so far this year, including the latest victims in the bank shooting.
Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg said the gun used by mass shooter Connor Sturgeon will likely be auctioned off at some point due to a Kentucky law. Photo by Michael Swensen/Getty Images
Sturgeon killed five people in the shooting inside Old National Bank. Linkedin
A bullet hole in the window at the scene of the mass shooting in Louisville. REUTERS/Jeffrey Dean Dr. Jason Smith, chief medical officer for the University of Louisville Health, where the victims were treated, echoed Greenberg’s plea to end gun violence.
Smith admitted he has grown “weary” of dealing with gunshot victims.
He said, “There’s only so many times you can walk into a room and tell someone they’re not coming home tomorrow.
Police searching Sturgeon’s home on April 10, 2023. AP Photo/Timothy D. Easle
LMPD Interim Chief Jacquelyn Gwinn-Villaroel said police have recovered several items related to their investigation from Sturgeon’s home. Linkedin“And it just breaks your heart when you hear someone screaming ‘Mommy’ or ‘Daddy.’ It just becomes too hard, day in and day out, to be able to do that.”
Smith noted the hospital did not have enough blood required to treat Monday’s shooting victims, with the American Red Cross delivering 170 additional units that were needed.
Follow The Post’s latest coverage of the shooting in Louisville
A fifth victim had been discharged earlier today, leaving four still hospitalized. Two remain in the ICU, including officer Nick Wilt, who has undergone brain surgery and is still sedated.
The city will host a vigil Wednesday evening at the Muhammad Ali Center for all the victims of gun violence.
Police said they will continue to release more information about the shooting Tuesday, including bodycam video of Sturgeon’s rampage at the Old National Bank.
