Authorities in Nashville, Tennessee, shared graphic body camera footage on Tuesday that captured the fatal encounter between police and an armed attacker at a local elementary school on Monday morning.
The violent incident resulted in the deaths of six individuals, including three children, while the alleged attacker was killed by police moments after the initial report of an active shooter.
The attacker, identified by police as Audrey Hale, had legally purchased seven firearms, three of which were used in the attack. Hale had also been receiving treatment for an emotional disorder, according to Nashville Police Chief John Drake.
The tragic event occurred at the Covenant School, a private elementary school located on the grounds of Covenant Presbyterian Church in Nashville’s Green Hills neighbourhood.
In a statement released Monday, the school expressed its grief and shock, stating, “Our community is heartbroken.”
This year, the Gun Violence Archive has recorded 130 mass shootings in the United States.
Here’s a summary of the Nashville shooting and information about the victims:
The Shooting Timeline
Authorities received the first report of an active shooter at the Covenant School at 10:13 a.m. local time.
Hale, a 28-year-old former student of the school, arrived in a Honda Fit and forcibly entered the building. Armed with two AR-style guns and a handgun, Hale began the attack.
Police arrived at the scene within minutes of the first emergency call.
The released body camera footage shows officers Rex Engelbert and Michael Collazo entering the school and ultimately shooting and killing Hale at 10:27 a.m., just 14 minutes after the initial call.
The Victims
The three students and three staff members killed in the attack were identified by police on Monday afternoon:
- Evelyn Dieckhaus, age 9, a third-grader at the Covenant School.
- Hallie Scruggs, age 9, daughter of Chad Scruggs, the senior pastor at Covenant Presbyterian Church.
- William Kinney, age 9.
- Cynthia Peak, age 61, a substitute teacher and close friend of Tennessee Governor Bill Lee’s wife, Maria.
- Katherine Koonce, age 60, the head of the Covenant School and a family friend of Governor Lee.
- Mike Hill, age 61, a janitor at the school.
There is no evidence suggesting that any victims were specifically targeted.
The Investigation
Authorities have not yet determined a motive for the shooting.
Investigators are examining writings by Hale, who attended the Covenant School and have interviewed the suspect’s parents.
Police Chief Drake disclosed that the attacker had legally purchased seven firearms from five local gun dealers and had detailed school maps, identifying entry points. The attacker’s parents believed their child had sold the only gun they knew and informed police that Hale was under a doctor’s care for an emotional disorder.
Investigators continue to piece together the events leading up to the tragic shooting at the Covenant School. Authorities are working to understand what may have motivated the attacker and any possible connections to the victims. As the community comes together to mourn the lives lost, support services are provided to help those affected cope with the tragedy.
