LMPD officer Nickolas Wilt to take medical retirement nearly three years after Old National Bank shooting
Medical retirement announced for officer wounded in April 2023 downtown Louisville mass shooting
Louisville Metro Police Department Officer Nickolas Wilt is taking a medical retirement, nearly three years after he was critically injured during the April 10, 2023, mass shooting at Old National Bank in downtown Louisville. LMPD confirmed the medical retirement in a department statement released Thursday.
Wilt was among the first officers to respond to the active shooter call at the bank. During the initial moments of the confrontation, he was shot in the head while moving toward the building. The shooter was killed at the scene after an exchange of gunfire with responding officers.
What happened on April 10, 2023
The attack unfolded during the morning hours at the Old National Bank location downtown. Five people were killed and multiple others were injured. Two responding officers were also wounded, including Wilt, who had been on the job only a short time when the shooting occurred.
Authorities later identified the suspect as Connor Sturgeon, a former employee of the bank. Police said the shooting was not a robbery and described the incident as a targeted workplace attack that ended when officers confronted and fatally shot the gunman.
Hospitalization, rehabilitation, and long-term recovery
Wilt’s injuries required emergency treatment and extensive hospitalization. He underwent multiple surgeries and procedures in the UofL Health system and remained in critical condition for weeks following the shooting. About one month after the attack, he was transferred to Frazier Rehabilitation Institute to begin neuro and physical rehabilitation.
On July 28, 2023, after more than three and a half months of inpatient care, Wilt was discharged from rehabilitation and returned home to continue therapy as an outpatient. Subsequent family updates have described continued progress in speech, mobility and daily functioning, while also noting ongoing medical challenges consistent with traumatic brain injury recovery.
Retirement event planned and leadership expected to attend
LMPD said Wilt’s retirement will be recognized at a celebration scheduled for Friday. Department leadership is expected to attend, including Police Chief Paul Humphrey, members of the executive command staff, and other city and community representatives.
Wilt was critically wounded responding to the April 10, 2023 Old National Bank shooting.
He spent months in hospital and rehabilitation before returning home in July 2023.
LMPD has now confirmed he is taking a medical retirement, with a department event planned Friday.
Wilt’s medical retirement comes as Louisville continues to mark the lasting impact of the 2023 downtown shooting on victims’ families, survivors, first responders and the broader community.