Nashville Shooter Owned 7 Weapons, Was Being Treated for ‘Emotional Disorder’
The investigation into the tragic events at The Covenant School in Nashville, where a shooter took the lives of three children and three adults, is ongoing. The victims include three 9-year-old children named Evelyn Dieckhaus, Hallie Scruggs, and William Kinney, as well as Cynthia Peak, a 61-year-old substitute teacher, Mike Hill, a custodian of the same age, and Katherine Koonce, the 60-year-old Head of Schools at Covenant.
The perpetrator has been identified as Audrey Elizabeth Hale, a 28-year-old former student, who was killed by two Metro Nashville Police Officers in response to the incident. Hale was armed with two assault rifles and a handgun.
In the wake of this tragedy, the community came together for vigils to mourn the loss of life, with additional gatherings planned for the week. President Joe Biden has ordered that U.S. flags be flown at half-staff until Friday.
Following the shooting, the Tennessee Legislature temporarily paused floor debates and resumed sessions on Tuesday morning.
The Metro Nashville Police Department has started to release more details about the events, with further information to follow.
According to Nashville Police Chief John Drake, the shooter had been receiving treatment for an emotional disorder. However, this did not prevent her from legally purchasing seven firearms from five different local gun stores, three of which were used in the mass shooting. It appears that Hale’s parents were unaware of the extent of her firearm ownership, as they believed she only had one gun, which she had sold.
Drake stated that Hale’s parents did not think she should possess a weapon, and were unaware that she had been hiding multiple firearms in their home. When Hale left the house on the day of the shooting with a red bag, her mother asked about its contents, but Hale dismissed the question.
At present, no motive for the shooting is known, and the students who were shot were seemingly targeted at random.
Drake also provided additional details about the shooting. Covenant Head of Schools Katherine Koonce was found deceased in a hallway, while Mike Hill, the custodian, is believed to have been shot through a door.
Law enforcement had no prior knowledge of Audrey Elizabeth Hale before the shooting occurred.
To honor the victims and support the survivors, Nashville Mayor John Cooper and Council Member Russ Pulley have arranged a candlelight vigil at City Hall on Wednesday at 5:30 p.m.
The Metro Police have released body camera footage from officers Rex Engelbert and Michael Collazo, who fatally shot the perpetrator inside The Covenant School. Caution is advised when viewing this footage.
This marks the third mass shooting in Nashville within the past six years. In 2018, four individuals lost their lives in a Waffle House restaurant, while in 2017, one person died and several others were injured in an attack at the Burnette Chapel Church of Christ.
On Monday, the Burnette Chapel Church of Christ expressed their condolences on Facebook.
Surveillance footage from the school was also made public, showing Hale driving a Honda Fit through the parking lot, passing children on swings, before entering the building, shooting through a double door, and wandering through empty hallways.
According to the police, they have discovered writings by Hale, including a manifesto and detailed maps of the school building, during searches of a residence and vehicle associated with Hale.
Hale entered the Covenant Church/School building and fired multiple shots. She was in possession of three firearms and a significant amount of ammunition.
In response to the incident, the school released a statement expressing their sorrow and requesting privacy. They acknowledged the immense loss suffered by the community and emphasized their commitment to supporting their students, families, faculty, and staff during the healing process.
Law enforcement is currently conducting an investigation into the incident. The school is aware of the public’s interest and the ensuing discussions and speculations, but their primary concern remains the well-being of their community. They expressed gratitude to the first responders for swiftly protecting their students and staff, and they kindly requested privacy for their students, parents, faculty, and staff as they cope with this tragic event.
Furthermore, it was reported that the shooter had texted a former basketball teammate moments before the shooting occurred.
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