What to know about the Nashville school shooting

On March 27, 28-year-old Audrey Hale opened fire on The Covenant School in Nashville, Tennessee. 

According to Nashville police, Hale was armed with three guns and fired 152 rounds, which resulted in the death of six people — Evelyn Dieckhaus, William Kinney and Hallie Scruggs, all 9 years old, as well as custodian Mike Hill, 61, substitute teacher Cynthia Peak, 61, and Head of School Kathrine Koonce, 60, all lost their lives. 

Hale was only in the building for 14 minutes and was killed on scene upon the arrival of the police. Officers Rex Engelbert and Michael Collazo fired four rounds each, fatally wounding Hale.

Hale, a former student of the school, planned the massacre for months, according to the police report.

Following an executed search warrant, writings were found in Hale’s vehicle and home detailing plans of the mass murder over a period of months. It was also revealed that Hale studied and considered the actions of different mass murderers.

During the search, more weapons, several Covenant School yearbooks, journals, and a suicide note were found.

Police say that Hale was previously under care for an emotional disorder, but motivations remain unknown and are under investigation as more details are uncovered and released.

The Nashville Covenant shooting marks the 130 mass shooting so far in 2023. There have been more mass shootings than days so far this year.

The tragedy continues to spark controversy and conversation regarding the safety of U.S. schools and children, and what can be done to prevent these shootings as they continue to become more frequent and more common.