A crisp spring morning in Louisville, Kentucky, turned to tragedy on April 10, 2023, when a gunman opened fire inside the Old National Bank. Among the victims that day was Thomas Elliott, a 63-year-old man and a senior vice president at the bank. The incident unfolded when a bank employee, identified as 25-year-old Connor Sturgeon, began shooting during a morning meeting.
Thomas Elliott, known as Tommy to his friends and family, was a respected figure in the community.
A longtime resident of Louisville, Tommy was not only a prominent banker but also a well-known Democratic Party fundraiser and a close personal friend of Kentucky's current and former governors, Andy and Steve Beshear. Governor Andy Beshear, visibly emotional in a news conference following the shooting, described Elliott as one of his closest friends who had helped him build his law career and provided advice on being a good father. He was remembered by many as a mentor and a dedicated public servant who was deeply involved in his community.
The tragic event claimed the lives of five people in total, including Thomas Elliott. The shooter, Connor Sturgeon, was an employee of the Old National Bank. Sources indicated that Sturgeon had been notified he was going to be fired and had left a note to his parents and friends about his intentions. The Louisville Metro Police responded to the scene, and the gunman was killed during an exchange of gunfire with officers.
The aftermath of the shooting left the Louisville community in mourning. Friends and colleagues remembered Tommy Elliott as a warm, funny, and kind individual who was devoted to making his community a better place. He is survived by his wife and four daughters. The tragic loss of Thomas Elliott and the other victims sent shockwaves through the city, prompting renewed calls for an end to gun violence.
