Unused Metal Detectors Still Delayed After St. Louis Murder Tragedy

Metal Detectors at Gateway Transportation Center Put on Hold

Plans to install metal detectors at the Gateway Transportation Center (GTC) in downtown St. Louis have been put on hold, despite the city having the necessary equipment for years. This decision comes after a thorough review of the security measures and their potential impact on travelers and operations.

Earlier this year, a letter circulated on social media suggested that a trial run of the metal detectors was scheduled for August 1, with full implementation set for September. The letter aimed to inform transportation operators about the plan, as the city owns the building and the security measures would be placed in common areas rather than inside individual terminals. However, after visiting the station and consulting with staff, Amtrak, Greyhound, and other stakeholders, the plan was deemed unready for immediate implementation.

St. Louis Comptroller Donna Baringer explained that under the previous administration, metal detectors were purchased for the GTC but never deployed, remaining in storage for over two years. Upon taking office, she was advised by GTC staff to consider their implementation. After touring the facility, reviewing potential placement, operational impacts, and the traveler experience, it became clear that the deployment process had not been fully developed.

The Gateway Transportation Center serves as a hub for Amtrak, Greyhound, and other transit services, and has long been a focal point for safety concerns. In 2022, a 17-year-old was shot and killed inside the station. While former Comptroller Darlene Green confirmed that the security upgrades were in response to that shooting, she has not provided details on why the rollout was delayed.

Baringer noted during her review that Amtrak confirmed there is no standardized protocol for dealing with weapons found during screenings, including how such items would be handled or returned to passengers at other stops. Based on this information and additional feedback from staff and stakeholders, Baringer determined that the city is not yet prepared to proceed with the deployment of these devices.

“While the metal detectors may not have a current use, the safety of those who use and frequent the GTC is of paramount importance,” Baringer said. Her office will now work with the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, the Department of Public Safety, and Amtrak to conduct a broader review of security protocols at the station.

“As such, my office will be reaching out to the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, the Department of Public Safety, and Amtrak to conduct a review of GTC safety protocols that ensures the needs of travelers are appropriately met moving forward,” she added.

First Alert 4 recently spotted a metal detector, still taped off and unused, along with an item scanner just inside the front doors of the GTC on Tuesday. The Comptroller’s Office is working to gather information about when the equipment was ordered, when it arrived, and how much taxpayer money was used while it sat unused.

Baringer’s team provided part of the answer, sharing an estimate from the previous comptroller’s office dated December 2022. The purchase included one X-ray scanner, two walk-through metal detectors, and three handheld metal detectors, as well as training and installation. The total cost was approximately $71,000.

First Alert 4 will continue to follow this story and provide updates on the rollout.