St. Louis Lambert International Airport Unfolds Fatal Encounter Involving Marcus D. Rollins Today
St. Louis Lambert International Airport – Marcus D. Rollins
Authorities in St. Louis County released detailed information regarding an officer-involved shooting that unfolded inside Terminal 2 of St. Louis Lambert International Airport earlier today, an incident that left 34-year-old Marcus D. Rollins fatally wounded and prompted a swift but temporary shutdown of portions of the concourse. According to preliminary findings, the situation began shortly after 10:15 a.m., when airport police received a report of a man behaving erratically near the security checkpoint, allegedly confronting travelers and airport employees in a manner that raised immediate safety concerns. Responding officers attempted to engage Rollins verbally in order to de-escalate the situation, but the encounter escalated within minutes.
Investigators say Rollins reportedly refused repeated commands to step back and continued advancing toward officers, prompting one of the responding officers to draw a service weapon. Witnesses in the area stated that Rollins appeared agitated and unresponsive, creating an atmosphere of fear among people waiting to pass through security. The chaotic moment caused passengers to retreat from the area while TSA agents coordinated quickly to divert travelers away from the scene. Surveillance footage is currently being reviewed to establish the exact sequence of events that led to the shooting.
When Rollins continued to approach, the officer discharged a single shot, striking him once. Emergency medical personnel stationed at the airport responded within minutes and attempted life-saving measures, but Rollins was pronounced deceased shortly afterward. The quick medical response, though unsuccessful, followed strict protocol for critical incidents on airport grounds. Officials emphasized that no other civilians or officers were harmed during the event, and no weapons were recovered on Rollins at the scene, though investigators caution that the inquiry remains ongoing.
St. Louis County Police have taken over the investigation per standard procedure, and the officer involved has been placed on administrative leave pending a full review. Authorities stated that early evidence will be submitted to the Force Investigation Unit, ensuring that all actions are independently examined. The airport resumed limited operations roughly forty minutes after the shooting, but travelers experienced delays as the concourse reopened in stages while officers continued processing the scene.
Family members of Rollins have not yet issued a public statement, and investigators confirmed that next-of-kin notifications were completed earlier in the afternoon. At this time, officials are gathering information to understand what may have contributed to Rollins’s behavior leading up to the encounter. They are also encouraging witnesses to come forward to provide a clearer picture of the moments preceding the confrontation.
Community members and local leaders are awaiting further updates as authorities continue piecing together the timeline, reviewing video evidence, and interviewing individuals present during the incident. While the investigation is still in its early stages, officials stressed their commitment to transparency and urged the public to withhold judgment until the full set of facts is released.