Flags outside Kirkwood’s schools flew at half staff yesterday morning in memory of the people killed when Charles “Cookie” Thornton opened fire at a City Council meeting on Thursday night.
Police say Charles Lee “Cookie” Thornton shot and killed Kirkwood police Sgt. William Biggs on his way into city hall and took Sgt. Biggs’ gun.
Then, police say Thornton stormed into city hall and shot and killed Kirkwood Police Ofc. Tom Ballman, council members Connie Karr and Michael Lynch, and Public Works Director Kenneth Yost.
The city’s nine public schools also will observe a moment of silence and have counselors and psychologists available for the children, said a spokeswoman for the schools.
The flag outside City Hall was one of the last to be lowered because it was in the area cordoned off by crime scene tape.
Mayor Mike Swoboda remained in critical condition this morning at St. John’s Mercy Medical Center, where he was taken with a gunshot wound.
Mayor Swoboda was shot in the head twice. He is being treated at St. John’s Mercy Medical Center. Swoboda has had two surgeries, which appear to have been successful. He is still in critical condition.
Todd Smith, a reporter for the Suburban Journals who also was injured, was in satisfactory condition at St. John’s, said spokesman Bill McShane. He suffered a hand injury in the shooting.
Smith was shot in the hand. He also has had surgery at St. John’s Mercy Medical Center and is in satisfactory condition.
Thornton’s ex-wife Maureen held a press conference to discuss the shooting this morning (Saturday) outside their home. Thornton issued an apology to the families of the slain victims.