Body cam footage shows St. Louis police rescues after May 16 tornado
By: St. Louis, MO - Exactly one month after a deadly EF3 tornado tore through the St. Louis region, the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department has released body camera footage capturing the immediate response by officers in the aftermath of the storm.
The video, made public Monday, offers a raw, firsthand look at first responders racing to help a community hit by a natural disaster, rescuing residents trapped beneath piles of rubble and aiding the injured as chaos unfolded around them.
"On May 16, 2025, our community changed forever when a devastating tornado tore through our neighborhoods," Chief Robert Tracy said in a video accompanying the bodycam footage release. "There was an overwhelming sense of loss from homes, businesses and churches to the lives tragically taken ..."
The historic tornado killed five people, injured dozens more and caused widespread destruction. St. Louis Mayor Cara Spencer estimated the city suffered at least $1.6 billion in damage.
In the video, Chief Tracy praised the community’s strength in the face of unimaginable destruction.
"Today, we're still here," Tracy said in the video. "We're not going anywhere. This isn't just where we work. This is our home, too. I've seen firsthand the incredible strength and resilience from you, our community and our neighbors, and that's what gives us hope for what's ahead."