View source for 2023 Nashville school shooting

{{Short description|Mass shooting in Nashville, Tennessee, US}}
{{pp|small=yes}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=March 2023}}
{{Infobox civilian attack
| title = 2023 Nashville school shooting
| location = [[Green Hills, Nashville, Tennessee]], [[United States|U.S.]]
| image = Audrey Hale at The Covenant.jpg
| caption = Hale carrying a Kel-Tec SUB-2000
| date = {{start date|March 27, 2023}}
| map = {{infobox mapframe |coord {{coord||}}|length_mi=0.5}}
| coordinates = {{Coord|36|05|35|N|86|49|32|W|display=inline,title}}
| time-begin = 10:11
| time-end = 10:27 a.m.
| timezone = [[Central Time Zone|CDT]]; [[UTC−05:00]]
| target = Students and staff at The Covenant School
| type = [[Mass shooting]], [[mass murder]], [[school shooting]], [[child murder|pedicide]]
| weapons = * [[.300 Blackout]] Lead Star Arms Grunt [[AR-15–style pistol]]
* 9mm [[Kel-Tec SUB-2000]] carbine
* 9mm [[Smith & Wesson M&P| Smith & Wesson M&P9]] Shield EZ pistol <ref name="CNN Disorder" /><ref>{{cite news|last1=Sanchez|first1=Ray|title=Here's what we know about the guns used in the Nashville school shooting|url=https://www.cnn.com/2023/03/30/us/nashville-shooting-guns-used/index.html|date=March 31, 2023}}</ref>
| fatalities = 7 (including the perpetrator)
| injuries = 2 (1 by gunfire){{efn|An injured victim was a police officer who cut his hand on shattered glass.<ref name="USAToday Injured">{{cite news |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2023/03/27/covenant-school-shooting-nashville-live-updates/11549814002/ |title=Covenant School shooting in Nashville: 3 children, 3 adults dead; victims' names released |newspaper=[[USA Today]] |first1=Grace |last1=Hauck |first2=Jorge L. |last2=Ortiz |first3=Natalie Neysa |last3=Alund |date=March 28, 2023}}</ref>}}
| perp = Aiden Hale{{efn|Has been identified by law enforcement and the press by his birth name, Audrey Elizabeth Hale.}}<ref name="KWTX">{{Cite news |title=What we know about the alleged Nashville school shooter |url=https://www.kwtx.com/2023/03/28/what-we-know-about-alleged-nashville-school-shooter/ |access-date=March 28, 2023 |publisher=[[KWTX-TV]] |language=en |archive-date=March 28, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230328162141/https://www.kwtx.com/2023/03/28/what-we-know-about-alleged-nashville-school-shooter/ |url-status=live}}</ref>
}}
On March 27, 2023, a [[mass shooting]] occurred at The Covenant School, a [[Presbyterian Church in America]] [[parochial school|parochial elementary school]] in the [[Green Hills, Nashville, Tennessee|Green Hills]] neighborhood of [[Nashville, Tennessee]] when 28-year-old Aiden Hale (born Audrey Elizabeth Hale), a [[transgender man]] and former student of the school,<ref name="Kallingal et al.">{{Cite web |first1=Mallika |last1=Kallingal |first2=Nouran |last2=Salahieh |first3=Eric |last3=Levenson |date=2023-03-30 |title=Some 911 calls from Nashville's Covenant School shooting are released |url=https://www.cnn.com/2023/03/30/us/covenant-school-shooting-nashville-tennessee-thursday/index.html |access-date=2023-04-04 |publisher=CNN |language=en |archive-date=March 31, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230331032650/https://www.cnn.com/2023/03/30/us/covenant-school-shooting-nashville-tennessee-thursday/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Elamroussi |first=Aya |date=2023-03-31 |title=First funeral of Nashville school shooting victim comes a day after police release terrifying 911 calls of attack |url=https://www.cnn.com/2023/03/31/us/covenant-school-shooting-nashville-tennessee-friday/index.html |access-date=2023-04-04 |publisher=CNN |language=en |archive-date=April 5, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230405024023/https://www.cnn.com/2023/03/31/us/covenant-school-shooting-nashville-tennessee-friday/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="NY Times 2023-03-28">{{Cite news |last1=Cochrane |first1=Emily |last2=Shpigel |first2=Ben |last3=McGee |first3=Jamie |date=2023-03-28 |title=Nashville Shooting: Police Say Shooter Was Under Doctor's Care for 'Emotional Disorder' |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/live/2023/03/28/us/nashville-school-shooting-tennessee |access-date=2023-04-04 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=March 31, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230331040859/https://www.nytimes.com/live/2023/03/28/us/nashville-school-shooting-tennessee |url-status=live }}</ref> killed three nine{{Non breaking hyphen}}year{{Non breaking hyphen}}old children and three adults before being shot and killed by two [[Metropolitan Nashville Police Department]] (MNPD) officers. It is the deadliest mass shooting in [[Tennessee]] history.

== Background ==
The Covenant School is a private Christian school in the Green Hills neighborhood of Nashville. It educates students from pre-kindergarten to the sixth grade. It was founded in 2001 as a ministry of Nashville's Covenant Presbyterian Church, a congregation of the [[Presbyterian Church in America]]; its enrollment is about 200 students.<ref name="CNN 2023-03-27">{{Cite news|first1=Eric |last1=Levenson |first2=Jennifer |last2=Henderson |date=March 27, 2023 |title=28-year-old woman kills 3 students and 3 adults at private Christian school in Nashville, police say |url=https://www.cnn.com/2023/03/27/us/covenant-school-shooting-nashville-tennessee/index.html |access-date=March 27, 2023 |publisher=CNN |language=en |archive-date=March 27, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230327170125/https://www.cnn.com/2023/03/27/us/covenant-school-shooting-nashville-tennessee/index.html |url-status=live}}</ref>

== Shooting ==
{{External media|topic=[[CCTV]] footage released by Nashville Police showing Hale entering and walking throughout the school armed during the shooting.|video1=[https://youtube.com/watch?v=iJWW1OcfHho Video via FOX 26 Houston]|headerimage=[[File:YouTube full-color icon (2017).svg|alt=YouTube logo|x20px|right]]}}
Hale drove to the school, arriving at 9:54&nbsp;a.m. [[Central Time Zone|CDT]].<ref name="USAToday Timeline">{{cite news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/graphics/2023/03/28/nashville-shooting-covenant-school-police-video/11554333002/|title=14 minutes: Visual timeline of Nashville school shooting from break-in to police response|publisher=USA Today|first1=George|last1=Petras|first2=Janet|last2=Loehrke|first3=Stephen J.|last3=Beard|first4=Ramon|last4=Padilla|date=March 28, 2023|accessdate=March 29, 2023|archive-date=March 28, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230328230537/https://www.usatoday.com/story/graphics/2023/03/28/nashville-shooting-covenant-school-police-video/11554333002/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="WSMV 2023-03-27">{{Cite news |last1=Hara |first1=Amanda |last2=Garcia |first2=Tony |date=March 27, 2023 |title=Nashville school shooter fired at glass doors to gain entry, fired at police |url=https://www.wsmv.com/2023/03/28/nashville-school-shooter-fired-glass-doors-gain-entry-fired-police/ |access-date=March 28, 2023 |publisher=[[WSMV-TV]]|language=en |archive-date=March 28, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230328022447/https://www.wsmv.com/2023/03/28/nashville-school-shooter-fired-glass-doors-gain-entry-fired-police/ |url-status=live }}</ref> At 9:57, Hale sent an [[Instagram]] message to an old friend saying an earlier post was "basically a suicide note" and anticipating dying that day.<ref>{{Cite news|last1=West |first1=Emily |last2=Gibbs |first2=Kelsey |date=March 28, 2023 |title=She checked her Instagram. She didn't expect a message from The Covenant School shooter. |url=https://www.newschannel5.com/news/she-checked-her-instagram-she-didnt-expect-a-message-from-the-covenant-school-shooter |access-date=March 28, 2023 |publisher=[[WTVF]] |language=en |archive-date=March 28, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230328170913/https://www.newschannel5.com/news/she-checked-her-instagram-she-didnt-expect-a-message-from-the-covenant-school-shooter |url-status=live }}</ref> The friend who received the message called a [[crisis hotline]], then contacted the Davidson County Sheriff's Office at 10:13.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://fox17.com/news/local/nashville-school-mass-shooter-reached-out-to-someone-before-over-instagram |title=Nashville school mass shooter reached out to former basketball teammate before tragedy |last=Keller |first=Sydney |publisher=[[WZTV]] |location=Nashville |date=March 28, 2023 |access-date=March 30, 2023 |archive-date=March 29, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230329021356/https://fox17.com/news/local/nashville-school-mass-shooter-reached-out-to-someone-before-over-instagram |url-status=live}}</ref>

At 10:11, Hale, armed with a rifle, a carbine and a pistol, shot through a set of glass side doors and entered the building.<ref name="NYT 2023-03-27">{{Cite news |last=Bogel-Burroughs |first=Nicholas |date=March 27, 2023 |title=The Nashville school shooter had a 'manifesto' and maps, police say. |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/03/27/us/nashville-school-shooting-audrey-hale.html |access-date=March 28, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=March 28, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230328020808/https://www.nytimes.com/2023/03/27/us/nashville-school-shooting-audrey-hale.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Guardian 2023-03-27">{{Cite news |last1=Pengelly |first1=Martin |last2=Vargas |first2=Ramon Antonio |date=March 27, 2023 |title=Three children and three adults killed in Nashville elementary school shooting |language=en-GB |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/mar/27/tennessee-nashville-school-shooting-covenant |access-date=March 27, 2023 |issn=0261-3077 |archive-date=March 27, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230327174550/https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/mar/27/tennessee-nashville-school-shooting-covenant |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last1=Shoup |first1=Craig |last2=Gadd |first2=Chris |last3=Wegner |first3=Rachel |last4=Fiscus |first4=Kirsten |date=March 27, 2023 |title=Nashville school shooting: Seven fatally shot at Covenant School, including female suspect |url=https://www.tennessean.com/story/news/2023/03/27/covenant-school-nashville-shooting-green-hills/70052363007/ |access-date=March 27, 2023 |work=[[The Tennessean]]|language=en-US}}</ref> In a statement of facts released in an affidavit, a timeline of the movement of the perpetrator was revealed. A school custodian noticed Hale shooting his way into the school and tried to run away; Hale fired several times with his AR pistol and shot him to death. The smoke from the gunfire triggered the fire alarm. Several staff members and students initiated an evacuation without knowing there was an active shooter.

Hale then went up to the second floor via a stairway, where he encountered several students and faculty members. Hale fired his AR pistol several times, fatally shooting three children and a substitute teacher. Most of the students and staff escaped unharmed. Hale then walked up to the four victims and fired more shots into them. He then entered the second floor hallway and shot into the doors of two nearby third grade classrooms, injuring one student with a graze wound. Hale stopped shooting and continued searching for potential victims in the second floor hallway.

Hearing the fire alarms go off, the head of the school exited the school office on the second floor, unaware that an active shooter incident was happening. Hale rounded the corner into the same hallway and fatally shot her multiple times with the AR pistol, then walked up to the headmaster and shot her once more with his handgun. At this point, Hale continued walking around the second floor hallway, looking in the hallway and in various church offices for more potential victims.

Hale went downstairs to the first floor again and fired randomly in the lobby without shooting anyone. He then returned to the second floor and entered the emptied-out church sanctuary, where he fired seven times at a stained-glass window depicting [[Adam and Eve]] with his carbine before leaving. Hale then walked by a window at the church vestibule and noticed police cars arriving. He fired at the officers outside through the window for over two minutes.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Pappert |first=Tom |date=2024-06-07 |title=MNPD Learned on Day of Covenant Shooting Audrey Hale Had Been Treated by Vanderbilt Psychiatric for 22 Years from 2001 Until Her 2023 Death |url=https://tennesseestar.com/justice/mnpd-learned-on-day-of-covenant-shooting-audrey-hale-had-been-treated-by-vanderbilt-psychiatric-for-22-years-from-2001-until-her-2023-death/tpappert/2024/06/07/ |access-date=2024-06-09 |publisher=The Tennessee Star |language=en }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Hillard |first=Graham |date=2023-04-27 |title=Shooting Adam |url=https://www.nationalreview.com/magazine/2023/05/15/shooting-adam/ |access-date=2024-06-09 |publisher=National Review |language=en |archive-date=May 26, 2023 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230526080833/https://www.nationalreview.com/magazine/2023/05/15/shooting-adam/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

At 10:13, police received a call about an [[active shooter]].<ref name="WTVF 2023-03-27">{{Cite news|last1=West |first1=Emily |last2=Broderick |first2=Kelly |date=March 27, 2023 |title=Seven dead: three children killed plus the shooter dead at The Covenant School on Monday |url=https://www.newschannel5.com/news/police-responding-to-active-aggressor-situation-at-covenant-school |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230327172922/https://www.newschannel5.com/news/police-responding-to-active-aggressor-situation-at-covenant-school |archive-date=March 27, 2023 |access-date=March 27, 2023 |publisher=[[WTVF]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Wurm |first=Kevin |date=March 27, 2023 |title=Woman shoots dead 3 children, 3 adults in Nashville school attack |language=en |publisher=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/us/multiple-victims-reported-after-school-shooting-nashville-officials-say-2023-03-27/ |url-status=live |access-date=March 27, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230327175042/https://www.reuters.com/world/us/multiple-victims-reported-after-school-shooting-nashville-officials-say-2023-03-27/ |archive-date=March 27, 2023}}</ref> When police arrived at the scene, a teacher told an officer that the students were in lockdown and two were missing.<ref>{{Cite news|last1=Wright |first1=Lucas |last2=Baird |first2=Brittney |last3=Posey |first3=Sebastian |date=March 28, 2023 |title=Bodycam video shows moments police killed active shooter at Nashville school |url=https://www.wkrn.com/news/local-news/nashville/covenant-school-mass-shooting/nashville-school-shooting-bodycam-video/ |access-date=March 28, 2023 |publisher=WKRN |language=en-US |archive-date=March 28, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230328164952/https://www.wkrn.com/news/local-news/nashville/covenant-school-mass-shooting/nashville-school-shooting-bodycam-video/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Officers entered the building at around 10:23.<ref name="ABC Timeline">{{cite news|publisher=[[ABC News (United States)|ABC News]]|title=Nashville shooting timeline: How the massacre unfolded at the Covenant School|date=March 29, 2023|last1=Pereira|first1=Ivan|last2=Faul|first2=Alexandra|last3=Bruggeman|first3=Lucien|first4=Josh|last4=Margolin|first5=Stephanie|last5=Wash|url=https://abcnews.go.com/US/timeline-shooting-covenant-school-unfolded/story?id=98158185}}</ref><ref name="CNN Timeline">{{cite news |last=Yan |first=Holly |date=March 28, 2023 |title=Nashville school shooting: A timeline of key events |publisher=CNN |url=https://www.cnn.com/interactive/2023/03/us/timeline-covenant-school-shooting-nashville/ |accessdate=March 28, 2023 |archive-date=March 29, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230329000432/https://www.cnn.com/interactive/2023/03/us/timeline-covenant-school-shooting-nashville/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Kallingal et al." /> While clearing the first floor of students and staff, they heard gunshots coming from the second floor.<ref>{{cite news |date=March 28, 2023 |title=What we know about the Nashville Christian school shooting that left 6 dead |url=https://www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/what-we-know-about-the-nashville-christian-school-shooting-that-left-six-dead |agency=PBS}}</ref><ref name="AP 2023-03-28">{{Cite news |date=March 28, 2023 |title=Nashville shooter who killed 6 drew maps, surveilled school |first1=Jonathan |last1=Mattise |first2=Travis |last2=Loller |first3=Holly |last3=Meyer |url=https://apnews.com/article/nashville-school-shooting-covenant-school-5da45b469ccb6c9533bbddf20c1bfe16 |publisher=[[Associated Press]]}}</ref> Officers stepped over a victim on the second floor as they made their way to Hale.<ref>{{cite news |newspaper=[[USA Today]] |title='All of us stepped over a victim': Nashville officers describe response to Covenant School shooting |first1=Kirsten |last1=Fiscus |first2=Melissa |last2=Brown |first3=Vivian |last3=Jones |first4=Andy |last4=Humbles |first5=Rachel |last5=Wegner |first6=Thao |last6=Nguyen |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2023/04/04/nashville-police-officers-covenant-school-shooting/11601917002/ |date=April 4, 2023}}</ref> At 10:25, a five-member team approached Hale,<ref name="Tennessean 2023-03-28">{{cite news |newspaper=[[The Tennessean]] |title=A timeline of Covenant School shooting in Nashville: What we know |last=Latham |first=Angele |date=March 28, 2023 |url=https://www.tennessean.com/story/news/2023/03/28/a-timeline-of-covenant-school-shooting-in-nashville-what-we-know/70054525007/}}</ref> and two officers fired four times each, killing Hale. By 10:27, 14 minutes after the initial [[9-1-1|911 call]] was made, the threat was neutralized.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Li |first1=David K. |last2=Obregon |first2=Natalie |date=March 27, 2023 |title=Nashville Christian school shooting leaves 3 children, 3 adults dead |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/school-shooting-tennessee-leaves-multiple-injured-shooter-dead-officia-rcna76841 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230327181727/https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/school-shooting-tennessee-leaves-multiple-injured-shooter-dead-officia-rcna76841 |archive-date=March 27, 2023 |access-date=March 27, 2023 |publisher=NBC News |language=en}}</ref><ref name="NBC bodycam">{{cite news |last1=McShane |first1=Julianne |title=Body camera footage shows moment police confront and kill Nashville shooter |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/crime-courts/body-camera-footage-shows-moment-police-confront-fire-nashville-shoote-rcna76990 |access-date=March 29, 2023 |publisher=NBC News |date=March 28, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230328193056/https://www.nbcnews.com/news/crime-courts/body-camera-footage-shows-moment-police-confront-fire-nashville-shoote-rcna76990 |archive-date=March 28, 2023 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="Tennessean 2023-03-28" /> In total, Hale fired more than 150 rounds.<ref name="WSMV Writings">{{cite news |last1=Smithson |first1=Daniel |last2=Breslin |first2=Ryan |date=April 27, 2023 |title=Demands for shooter's writings continue month after Nashville school shooting |url=https://www.wsmv.com/2023/04/26/demands-shooters-writings-continue-month-after-nashville-school-shooting/ |publisher=[[WSMV-TV|WSMV]]}}</ref> A reunification center was set up by the MNPD at the Woodmont Baptist Church; students were taken there by school bus in the afternoon.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Davis |first=Molly |date=March 27, 2023 |title=Parents wait to be reunited with children in wake of Covenant School shooting |language=en-US |work=[[The Tennessean]] |url=https://www.tennessean.com/story/news/2023/03/27/nashville-school-shooting-leaves-parents-waiting-to-be-reunited/70053082007/|access-date=March 27, 2023}}</ref>

=== Victims ===
Six people—three students and three staff—were killed at random.<ref name="Kallingal et al." /> Five were pronounced dead at a hospital and one at the scene.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Hughes |first=Trevor |date=March 27, 2023 |title=Who is the Nashville school shooter who killed six at private Christian school? |language=en-US |website=USA Today |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2023/03/27/nashville-covenant-school-shooting-female-shooter/11551363002/ |url-status=live |access-date=March 27, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230329212456/https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2023/03/27/nashville-covenant-school-shooting-female-shooter/11551363002/ |archive-date=March 29, 2023}}</ref> The deceased students were Evelyn Dieckhaus, William Kinney, and Hallie Scruggs, all aged 9.<ref>{{Unbulleted list citebundle|name=victim ages|{{cite AV media |url=https://www.newsnationnow.com/video/victims-suspect-in-nashville-school-shooting-identified-rush-hour/8507935/ |title=Victims, suspect in Nashville school shooting identified |publisher=[[NewsNation]] |date=March 27, 2023 |access-date=March 30, 2023 |archive-date=March 30, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230330150154/https://www.newsnationnow.com/video/victims-suspect-in-nashville-school-shooting-identified-rush-hour/8507935/ |url-status=live}} |{{cite news |url=https://www.nashvillescene.com/news/pithinthewind/covenant-school-shooting-leaves-seven-dead-in-targeted-attack/article_32dc2cd6-cd6d-11ed-932a-5b19d521176f.html |title=Covenant School Shooting Leaves Seven Dead in 'Targeted Attack' |last1=Beyeler |first1=Kelsey |last2=Butts |first2=Logan |last3=Rodgers |first3=D. Patrick |last4=Elliott |first4=Stephen |last5=Masters |first5=Matt |work=[[Nashville Scene]] |date=March 28, 2023 |access-date=March 30, 2023 |archive-date=March 29, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230329205314/https://www.nashvillescene.com/news/pithinthewind/covenant-school-shooting-leaves-seven-dead-in-targeted-attack/article_32dc2cd6-cd6d-11ed-932a-5b19d521176f.html |url-status=live}} |{{cite news |url=https://www.wkrn.com/news/local-news/nashville/covenant-school-mass-shooting/nashville-school-shooting-victims/ |title=Covenant School Shooting: What we know about the victims |last1=McCullough |first1=Erin |last2=Patton |first2=Alicia |publisher=[[WKRN-TV]] |location=Nashville |date=March 29, 2023 |orig-date=Originally published March 27, 2023 |access-date=March 30, 2023 |archive-date=March 29, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230329234138/https://www.wkrn.com/news/local-news/nashville/covenant-school-mass-shooting/nashville-school-shooting-victims/ |url-status=live}} |{{cite news |url=https://www.news10.com/top-stories/what-we-know-about-the-nashville-school-shooting-victims/amp/|title=Headmaster, pastor's daughter among Nashville school shooting victims: What we know |last1=McCullough |first1=Erin |last2=Patton |first2=Alicia |last3=Bink |first3=Addy |publisher=[[WKRN-TV]] |location=Nashville |date=March 27, 2023 |access-date=March 30, 2023 |via=[[WTEN]] |archive-date=March 29, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230329181924/https://www.news10.com/top-stories/what-we-know-about-the-nashville-school-shooting-victims/amp/ |url-status=live}}}}</ref>{{efn|Police Chief John Drake said in a press briefing on March 27, 2023, that one of the children was aged 8, while Public Affairs Director Don Aaron said that all the children were aged 9 in the same press briefing. Most sources say that all three were 9.}} The deceased faculty members were substitute teacher Cynthia Peak, 61; custodian Mike Hill, 61; and head of school Katherine Koonce, 60.<ref name="Wash Times 2023-03-27">{{Cite news |last1=Delaney |first1=Matt |last2=Mordock |first2=Jeff |date=March 27, 2023 |title=Nashville school shooter was transgender, had 'manifesto,' police say |url=https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2023/mar/27/audrey-hale-identified-nashville-school-shooter-re/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230328022512/https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2023/mar/27/audrey-hale-identified-nashville-school-shooter-re/ |archive-date=March 28, 2023 |access-date=March 28, 2023 |website=The Washington Times |language=}}</ref> In addition, a police officer was injured after cutting his hand on shattered glass.<ref name="USAToday Injured" />

== Perpetrator ==
'''Aiden Hale''' (previously referred to by the police by his birthname of '''Audrey Elizabeth Hale''') was a 28-year-old former student of the Covenant School and a Nashville resident with no criminal record.<ref name="NBC3LEO">{{Cite news|last1=Li |first1=David K. |last2=Ortiz |first2=Erik |last3=Lenthang |first3=Marlene |date=March 28, 2023 |orig-date=Originally published March 27, 2023 |title=Nashville Christian school shooter appears to be a former student, police chief says |publisher=NBC News |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/nashville-christian-school-shooter-appears-former-student-police-chief-rcna76876 |url-status=live |access-date=March 30, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230327204755/https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/nashville-christian-school-shooter-appears-former-student-police-chief-rcna76876 |archive-date=March 27, 2023}}</ref> According to a former headmaster of the Covenant School, Hale attended the school when "around 10 years of age".<ref>{{cite news|last1=Smithson |first1=Daniel |title=Nashville school shooter was former student, police say |url=https://www.wsmv.com/2023/03/27/nashville-school-shooting-suspect-was-former-student-police-say/ |access-date=March 28, 2023 |publisher=[[WSMV-TV]]|date=March 27, 2023}}</ref><ref name="NBC Motive Update">{{cite news|title=Motive in Nashville shooting remains unclear weeks after 6 people were killed at a Christian school |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/motive-nashville-shooting-remains-unclear-weeks-6-people-killed-christ-rcna79700 |publisher=NBC News}}</ref> MNPD Police Chief John Drake said Hale was under care for an emotional disorder and had legally purchased seven firearms, including three recovered from the shooting scene, between October 2020 and June 2022.<ref name="CNN Disorder">{{cite news|url=https://www.cnn.com/2023/03/28/us/covenant-school-shooting-nashville-tennessee-tuesday|title=Covenant School shooter was under care for emotional disorder and hid guns at home, police say|publisher=CNN|last1=Levenson|first1=Eric|last2=Alonso|first2=Melissa|last3=Salahieh|first3=Nouran|date=March 29, 2023|orig-date=Originally published March 28, 2023|access-date=March 30, 2023|archive-date=March 29, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230329235249/https://www.cnn.com/2023/03/28/us/covenant-school-shooting-nashville-tennessee-tuesday/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Police first referred to Hale as a woman and used his birth name. On the day of the shooting, MNPD Chief John Drake said that authorities "feel that [Hale] identifies as [[Transgender|trans]], but we're still in the initial investigation into all of that".<ref name="NBC3LEO" /> Media sources subsequently reported Hale was a [[trans man]].<ref name="Wegner">{{cite news|last1=Wegner |first1=Rachel |last2=Davis |first2=Molly |last3=Sharon |first3=Keith |date=March 28, 2023 |title='Truly horrific': Nashville mourns after mass shooting at elementary school |work=[[The Tennessean]] |url=https://www.tennessean.com/story/news/crime/2023/03/27/nashville-mourns-mass-shooting-covenant-school/70052585007/ }}</ref> His former art teacher and a former classmate recalled him coming out as transgender on Facebook in 2022.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Bogel-Burroughs |first1=Nicholas |title=The shooter had posted on Facebook in recent years about the death of a romantic partner, a former teacher says. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/live/2023/03/28/us/nashville-school-shooting-tennessee/the-shooter-had-posted-on-facebook-in-recent-years-about-the-death-of-a-romantic-partner-a-former-teacher-says?smid=url-share |work=The New York Times |date=28 March 2023 |access-date=March 31, 2023 |archive-date=March 29, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230329141401/https://www.nytimes.com/live/2023/03/28/us/nashville-school-shooting-tennessee/the-shooter-had-posted-on-facebook-in-recent-years-about-the-death-of-a-romantic-partner-a-former-teacher-says?smid=url-share |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="obsession">{{Cite web|last=Zdanowicz |first=Christina |date=2023-03-28 |title=Nashville shooter Audrey Hale had a 'child-like obsession with staying a child,' college classmate says |url=https://www.cnn.com/2023/03/28/us/audrey-hale-nashville-school-shooting/index.html |access-date=2023-04-04 |publisher=CNN |archive-date=April 4, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230404200756/https://www.cnn.com/2023/03/28/us/audrey-hale-nashville-school-shooting/index.html |url-status=live}}</ref> According to a friend, Hale "had a childlike obsession with staying a child".<ref name="obsession" />

Hale was an illustrator and [[graphic designer]] who graduated from the [[Nossi College of Art & Design]] in 2022.<ref name="NYT 2023-03-27" /> A neighbor said Hale lived with his parents.<ref>{{Cite news|last1=Bruggeman |first1=Lucien |last2=Romero |first2=Laura |last3=Levine |first3=Mike |date=March 28, 2023 |title=Who was Nashville shooter Audrey Hale? |url=https://abcnews.go.com/US/nashville-shooter-audrey-hale/story?id=98166039 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230328025728/https://abcnews.go.com/US/nashville-shooter-audrey-hale/story?id=98166039 |archive-date=March 28, 2023 |access-date=March 28, 2023 |publisher=ABC News}}</ref>

== Investigation and perpetrator's writings ==
The MNPD took the lead of the investigation of the shooting, assisted by the [[Tennessee Bureau of Investigation]] and the [[Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives]].<ref>{{Cite news|date=March 28, 2023 |title=Audrey Hale: What we know about the Nashville school shooter|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/crime/everything-we-know-nashville-shooter-b2308987.html |last=Sharp|first=Rachel|access-date=March 28, 2023 |website=The Independent |language=en |archive-date=March 28, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230328094312/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/crime/everything-we-know-nashville-shooter-b2308987.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Two shotguns, one of which was [[Sawed-off shotgun|sawed-off]], and other evidence were found in a search of the Hales' house.<ref>{{Cite press release|title=Investigation Continuing into Today's Active Shooter Murders at Covenant School |last1=Aaron|first1=Don|last2=Mumford|first2=Kristin|last3=Reese|first3=Brooke|url=https://www.nashville.gov/departments/police/news/investigation-continuing-todays-active-shooter-murders-covenant-school |access-date=March 28, 2023 |publisher=Metropolitan Government of Nashville & Davidson County|language=en |archive-date=March 28, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230328082233/https://www.nashville.gov/departments/police/news/investigation-continuing-todays-active-shooter-murders-covenant-school |url-status=live }}</ref> Evidence included a detailed map of the school with potential entry points and a [[manifesto]].<ref name="AP 2023-03-28" /><ref name="Independent 2023-03-27">{{Cite news |last=Massie |first=Graeme |date=March 27, 2023 |title=Audrey Hale, 28, named as Nashville school shooter as map and manifesto found |language=en |work=[[The Independent]] |location=Los Angeles |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/crime/audrey-hale-nashville-school-shooting-b2309043.html |url-status=live |access-date=March 27, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230327215710/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/crime/audrey-hale-nashville-school-shooting-b2309043.html |archive-date=March 27, 2023}}</ref> Hale was believed to have undertaken [[reconnaissance]], and had originally considered targeting another location but had decided not to carry out the attack due to the level of security on the premises.<ref name="Independent 2023-03-27" /> On April 3, police said Hale planned the shooting for months and fired 152 rounds at the school, 126 of them 5.56 rifle rounds and 26 of them 9mm rounds.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/nashville-school-shooting-shooter-planned-attack-months-according-jour-rcna77978|title=Nashville school shooter planned the attack for months, according to journals police found|publisher=NBC News|last=Alsharif|first=Mirna|date=April 3, 2023|accessdate=April 4, 2023|archive-date=April 3, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230403231954/https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/nashville-school-shooting-shooter-planned-attack-months-according-jour-rcna77978|url-status=live}}</ref>

{{As of|2023|4|14|df=US}}, police have not publicly disclosed a motive for the shooting. Hale's surviving writings, including diaries and a planning document, initially called a "manifesto", were described by police as "rambling" and empty of any specific political or social issues.<ref name="NBC Motive Update" /> Three pages of Hale's diary, described by [[CNN]] as containing "hate-filled language" directed at the school and its children, were  leaked by conservative commentator [[Steven Crowder]] on November 6, 2023.<ref name="CNNLeak"/> In the pages released by Crowder, Hale allegedly wrote: "Wanna kill all you little crackers […] Bunch of little faggots w/ your white privlages{{Sic}} fuck you faggots."<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://cbsaustin.com/news/nation-world/leaked-nashville-shooter-manifesto-shows-motivation-behind-attack-kill-all-you-little-f-audrey-hale-aiden-covenant-school-march-schooting-louder-with-crowder |title=Leaked Nashville shooter manifesto shows motivation behind attack: 'Kill all you little f******' |first=Julian |last=Baron |date=November 6, 2023 |access-date=September 19, 2024 |website=CBS |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231106181612/https://cbsaustin.com/news/nation-world/leaked-nashville-shooter-manifesto-shows-motivation-behind-attack-kill-all-you-little-f-audrey-hale-aiden-covenant-school-march-schooting-louder-with-crowder |archive-date=November 6, 2023}}</ref>

== Reactions ==
The Covenant School issued a statement asking for privacy during the law-enforcement investigation.<ref name="Tennessean 2023-03-27" /> Several vigils were held for the casualties. A memorial at the school gathered items such as flowers, balloons, and stuffed animals.<ref name="Tennessean 2023-03-27">{{Cite news|last1=Davis |first1=Miles |last2=Leyva |first2=Diana |date=March 28, 2023 |title=Covenant School community seeks prayer in wake of deadly mass shooting |url=https://www.tennessean.com/story/news/2023/03/27/nashville-tennessee-covenant-school-shooting-prayer-vigils/70054498007/ |access-date=March 28, 2023 |work=[[The Tennessean]]|language=en-US }}</ref> A memorial concert was held at the Fisher Center at [[Belmont University]], with artists including [[Carrie Underwood]], [[Tyler Hubbard]], [[Colony House (band)|Colony House]], and [[Thomas Rhett]] performing. All proceeds benefitted the school's staff, students and families.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Nicholson |first=Jessica |date=2023-04-13 |title=Carrie Underwood, Tyler Hubbard & More Lead With Empathy at Covenant School Memorial Concert |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/country/carrie-underwood-tyler-hubbard-covenant-school-concert-1235302185/ |access-date=2023-04-16 |magazine=Billboard |language=en-US}}</ref> The city of Nashville set up a fund to support those affected. The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee also established one for The Covenant School, and [[GoFundMe]] created a list with verified similar fundraisers.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Stephenson |first=Cassandra |date=March 29, 2023 |title=How to help those affected by the Covenant School shooting in Nashville |url=https://www.tennessean.com/story/news/local/davidson/2023/03/27/how-to-help-covenant-school-shooting-in-nashville-tennessee/70054177007/ |access-date=2023-03-29 |work=[[The Tennessean]]|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last3=Levenson |first1=Nouran |last1=Salahieh |first2=Jeff |last2=Winter |first3=Eric |date=2023-03-29 |title=Police chief says no evidence Nashville shooter had specific problems or issues with school |url=https://www.cnn.com/2023/03/29/us/covenant-school-shooting-nashville-tennessee-wednesday/index.html |access-date=2023-03-29 |publisher=CNN |language=en |archive-date=March 29, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230329184543/https://www.cnn.com/2023/03/29/us/covenant-school-shooting-nashville-tennessee-wednesday/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

Several notable Nashville musicians including [[Mickey Guyton]], [[Margo Price]], and [[Sheryl Crow]] offered their condolences and anger about continual school shootings.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Paulson |first=Dave |date=March 27, 2023 |title=Nashville musicians react to Covenant School shooting, call for action |url=https://www.tennessean.com/story/entertainment/music/2023/03/27/nashville-musicians-react-to-covenant-school-shooting-call-for-action/70053038007/ |access-date=March 27, 2023 |work=[[The Tennessean]]|language=en-US }}</ref>  Actress [[Melissa Joan Hart]], who was nearby when the shooting occurred and helped escort some of the fleeing children to safety,<ref>{{Cite news|last=Banfield|first=Ashleigh|url=https://www.newsnationnow.com/banfield/melissa-joan-hart-helped-nashville-kids-escape-shooting/|title=Melissa Joan Hart helped Nashville kids escape shooting|date=March 28, 2023|website=[[NewsNation]]|language=en|access-date=March 29, 2023|archive-date=March 29, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230329050543/https://www.newsnationnow.com/banfield/melissa-joan-hart-helped-nashville-kids-escape-shooting/|url-status=live}}</ref> recounted the experience on [[Instagram]] a day later.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Rose|first=Andy|url=https://www.cnn.com/2023/03/29/entertainment/melissa-joan-hart-nashville-school-shooting/index.html|title=Actress Melissa Joan Hart describes helping children flee campus after Nashville school shooting|date=March 29, 2023|orig-date=Originally published March 28, 2023|publisher=[[CNN]]|language=en|access-date=March 29, 2023|archive-date=March 29, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230329130445/https://www.cnn.com/2023/03/29/entertainment/melissa-joan-hart-nashville-school-shooting/index.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

Representative [[Andy Ogles]], whose district includes Nashville, tweeted, "We are sending our [[thoughts and prayers]] to the families of those lost. As a father of three, I am utterly heartbroken by this senseless act of violence." Ogles's response was subsequently criticized on social media after a photo of him and his family posing with AR-15s in front of a Christmas tree resurfaced.<ref name="ogles">{{cite news|last=Horowitch|first=Rose|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/politics-news/rep-andy-ogles-whose-district-includes-nashville-criticized-gun-filled-rcna76961|title=Rep. Andy Ogles, whose district includes Nashville, criticized over gun-filled Christmas photo|date=March 28, 2023|publisher=[[NBC News]]|url-status=live|archive-url=https://archive.today/20230328155713/https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/politics-news/rep-andy-ogles-whose-district-includes-nashville-criticized-gun-filled-rcna76961|archive-date=March 28, 2023}}</ref>

Arizona gubernatorial press secretary Josselyn Berry tweeted, hours after the shooting, a [[meme]] of an actress from ''[[Gloria (1980 film)|Gloria]]'' pointing two pistols alongside the text: "Us when we see transphobes." The post was widely condemned, and she resigned two days later. Her former administration said the tweet did not reflect its values.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Duda |first=Jeremy |date=2023-03-29 |title=Arizona Gov. Hobbs' press secretary resigns over controversial tweet aimed at "transphobes" |url=https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2023/03/29/arizona-hobbs-press-resigns-tweet-gun-shooting |access-date=2023-04-03 |website=Axios |language=en |archive-date=March 31, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230331152359/https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2023/03/29/arizona-hobbs-press-resigns-tweet-gun-shooting |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Javaid |first=Maham |date=March 29, 2023 |title=Ariz. governor's press secretary resigns amid backlash over gun-toting post |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]] |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2023/03/29/arizona-katie-hobbs-tweet-meme/ |access-date=April 3, 2023 |archive-date=April 5, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230405024906/https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2023/03/29/arizona-katie-hobbs-tweet-meme/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

As a part of a long-running Internet meme, posts misidentifying the shooter using an altered photo of comedian [[Sam Hyde]] circulated on social media.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Tuquero |first=Loreben |date=March 28, 2023 |title=Another false 'Sam Hyde' meme circulates after Nashville, Tennessee, shooting |url=https://www.politifact.com/factchecks/2023/mar/28/facebook-posts/another-false-sam-hyde-meme-circulates-after-nashv/ |access-date=March 30, 2023 |website=[[PolitiFact]] |language=en-US |archive-date=March 29, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230329200030/https://www.politifact.com/factchecks/2023/mar/28/facebook-posts/another-false-sam-hyde-meme-circulates-after-nashv/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Rajini |first=KG |date=March 30, 2023 |title=The Nashville school shooter has been falsely identified as Samantha Hyde on social media |url=https://www.logicallyfacts.com/en/fact-check/false-a-digitally-altered-image-of-us-comedian-sam-hyde-misidentified-as-nashville-school-shooter |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240901124516/https://www.logicallyfacts.com/en/fact-check/false-a-digitally-altered-image-of-us-comedian-sam-hyde-misidentified-as-nashville-school-shooter |archive-date=September 1, 2024 |access-date=March 30, 2023 |website=[[Logically Facts]] |publisher= |language=en-gb}}</ref> A fake manifesto posted anonymously on [[4chan]] was reposted on Twitter.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Harwell |first=Drew |date=March 31, 2023 |title=How a fake Nashville manifesto fueled anti-trans rage online |language=en-US |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]] |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2023/03/31/nashville-shooting-hoax-online/ |access-date=March 30, 2023 |issn=0190-8286 |archive-date=March 31, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230331101047/https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2023/03/31/nashville-shooting-hoax-online/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Policy debate and protests===
{{Further|2023 Tennessee House of Representatives expulsions}}

In response to the shooting, U.S. President [[Joe Biden]] said, "We have to do more to stop gun violence. It's ripping our communities apart, ripping the soul of this nation, ripping at the very soul of the nation... we have to do more to protect our schools, so they aren't turned into prisons."<ref name="CNN 2023-03-27" /> He ordered flags on all federal buildings to be flown at [[half-staff]].<ref name="AP 2023-03-28" /><ref>{{Cite news |last=Judd |first=DJ |date=March 28, 2023 |title=Biden orders flags flown at half-staff to honor victims of Nashville school shooting |publisher=[[CNN]] |url=https://edition.cnn.com/us/live-news/nashville-shooting-covenant-school-03-27-23/h_d2d252c2ffcba4c505361ba1fbd86160 |access-date=March 29, 2023 |archive-date=March 28, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230328013506/https://edition.cnn.com/us/live-news/nashville-shooting-covenant-school-03-27-23/h_d2d252c2ffcba4c505361ba1fbd86160 |url-status=live }}</ref> Nashville Mayor [[John Cooper (Tennessee politician)|John Cooper]] called for the state to enact risk-protection laws and take action on gun safety.<ref>{{cite news|publisher=[[ABC News (United States)|ABC News]]|title=Nashville mayor calls on lawmakers to enact risk protection laws, act on gun safety|date=April 6, 2023|first=Nadine|last=El-Bawab|url=https://abcnews.go.com/US/nashville-mayor-calls-lawmakers-enact-risk-protection-laws/story?id=98405060}}</ref> And Tennessee state representative [[Bob Freeman (politician)|Bob Freeman]], a Democrat from Nashville, called for gun reforms in the wake of the shooting.<ref name="freeman">{{cite news|url=https://www.tennessean.com/story/news/politics/2023/03/30/after-nashville-school-shooting-hundreds-demand-gun-reform-in-nashville/70063649007/|title='They're begging us to do something:' Nashville lawmaker calls for gun reform as hundreds protest after Covenant shooting|last1=Brown|first1=Melissa|last2=Fiscus|first2=Kirsten|work=[[The Tennessean]]|date=March 30, 2023|access-date=March 30, 2023}}</ref>

Protestors called for increased gun control in reaction to the shootings. On March 30, thousands of protestors gathered at the [[Tennessee State Capitol]] to call for stricter gun control laws.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Otten |first=Tori |date=March 30, 2023 |title=Thousands of Protesters Demand Gun Control at Tennessee State Capitol After Nashville Shooting |magazine=The New Republic |url=https://newrepublic.com/post/171485/protesters-demand-gun-control-tennessee-state-capitol-nashville-shooting |access-date=March 31, 2023 |issn=0028-6583 |archive-date=March 31, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230331063605/https://newrepublic.com/post/171485/protesters-demand-gun-control-tennessee-state-capitol-nashville-shooting |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Gainey |first=Blaise |date=March 30, 2023 |title=Tensions high at the Tennessee Capitol as hundreds protest for more gun restrictions |url=https://wpln.org/post/tensions-high-as-hundreds-protest-for-more-gun-restrictions-at-the-tennessee-capitol/ |access-date=March 31, 2023 |publisher=[[WPLN-FM]] |language=en-US |archive-date=March 30, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230330182152/https://wpln.org/post/tensions-high-as-hundreds-protest-for-more-gun-restrictions-at-the-tennessee-capitol/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Some children held signs saying "I'm nine" in reference to the age of the children shot.<ref>{{Cite news|date=March 30, 2023|title=Hundreds protest at Tennessee Capitol for tighter gun controls after Nashville shooting|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/nashville-shooting-protests-tennessee-capitol-gun-control/|access-date=March 31, 2023|publisher=[[CBS News]]|language=en-US|archive-date=March 31, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230331004012/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/nashville-shooting-protests-tennessee-capitol-gun-control/|url-status=live}}</ref> Within the chamber of the capitol, three state representatives, [[Justin Jones (Tennessee politician)|Justin Jones]], [[Justin J. Pearson|Justin Pearson]], and [[Gloria Johnson (politician)|Gloria Johnson]] led the public gallery in chants of "no more silence", "we have to do better", and "gun reform now", demanding that lawmakers strengthen gun laws. This protest delayed a hearing on a bill which would expand gun access.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Allen |first1=Jonathan |last2=Brooks |first2=Brad |date=March 31, 2023 |title=Protesters demand action on guns at Tennessee statehouse |language=en |publisher=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/us/protesters-demand-action-guns-tennessee-statehouse-2023-03-30/ |access-date=March 31, 2023 |archive-date=March 30, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230330235442/https://www.reuters.com/world/us/protesters-demand-action-guns-tennessee-statehouse-2023-03-30/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="freeman" /> On April 5, thousands of students across the United States demonstrated in a [[walkout]] to call on lawmakers to end gun violence.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hauck |first=Grace |title=Thousands participate in national school walkout after Nashville shooting, urge gun control |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2023/04/05/nashville-shooting-nationwide-student-walkout-gun-safety/11608207002/ |access-date=2023-04-06 |website=USA Today |language=en-US |archive-date=April 6, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230406013237/https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2023/04/05/nashville-shooting-nationwide-student-walkout-gun-safety/11608207002/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The student group [[March for Our Lives Action Fund|March for Our Lives]] organized walkouts across Tennessee as well as a march to the State Capitol.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Garcia |first1=Tony |last2=Bukovac |first2=Joylyn |date=2023-04-03 |title=March For Our Lives organizes Nashville school walkouts |url=https://www.wsmv.com/2023/04/03/march-our-lives-organizes-nashville-school-walkouts/ |access-date=2023-04-06 |publisher=[[WSMV-TV]] |language=en |archive-date=April 6, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230406013237/https://www.wsmv.com/2023/04/03/march-our-lives-organizes-nashville-school-walkouts/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

After their actions during the March 30 protest, Johnson and Jones were stripped of their committee assignments and, alongside Pearson, were notified that they could be expelled from the House. House Speaker [[Cameron Sexton]] said their actions were unacceptable, breaking rules of decorum and procedure.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sforza |first=Lauren |date=2023-04-04 |title=Tennessee lawmakers stripped of committees after joining gun violence protests |url=https://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/3932428-tennessee-lawmakers-stripped-of-committees-after-joining-gun-violence-protests/ |access-date=2023-04-04 |website=The Hill |language=en-US |archive-date=April 4, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230404143912/https://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/3932428-tennessee-lawmakers-stripped-of-committees-after-joining-gun-violence-protests/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last1=Adams |first1=Liam |last2=Fiscus |first2=Kirsten |last3=Mazza |first3=Sandy |last4=Shoup |first4=Craig |last5=Brown |first5=Melissa |last6=Wegner |first6=Rachel |last7=Hester |first7=Nicole |date=April 4, 2023 |title=Nashville school shooting updates: Students demand gun control; shooter fired 152 rounds |url=https://www.tennessean.com/story/news/2023/04/03/nashville-shooting-latest-updates-protests-tennessee-gun-law/70073429007/ |access-date=2023-04-04 |website=The Tennessean |language=en-US }}</ref> Jones and Pearson were [[2023 Tennessee House of Representatives expulsions|expelled]] from the House on April 6, with the vote to expel Johnson failing by a single vote.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Breen |first=Kerry |date=7 April 2023 |title=GOP lawmakers in Tennessee expel two Democrats over mass shooting protest |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/tennessee-house-remove-justin-jones-nashville-shooting-protest/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230406230201/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/tennessee-house-remove-justin-jones-nashville-shooting-protest/ |archive-date=April 6, 2023 |access-date=2023-04-07 |publisher=CBS News |language=en-US}}</ref> Within a week, they were reinstated in interim capacities—the Nashville Metropolitan Council unanimously voted to reinstate Jones, and the Shelby County Board of Commissioners unanimously voted to reinstate Pearson.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Second Tennessee lawmaker to return to chamber after explusion |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/4/12/second-tennessee-lawmaker-to-return-to-chamber-after-explusion |access-date=2023-04-13 |publisher=Al Jazeera |language=en}}</ref> The expulsion and interim reinstatement garnered national attention.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Davis |first1=Molly |last2=Adams |first2=Liam |last3=Leyva |first3=Diana |last4=Brown |first4=Melissa |date=April 7, 2023 |title=Live Updates: 'Tennessee Three' meet VP Kamala Harris; speak with President Joe Biden |url=https://www.tennessean.com/story/news/politics/2023/04/07/kamala-harris-nashville-updates-expelled-tennessee-lawmakers/70093118007/ |access-date=2023-04-13 |website=The Tennessean |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=McCammond |first=Alexi |date=2023-04-12 |title=Trump steps into center of youth-led "Tennessee Three" backlash |url=https://www.axios.com/2023/04/12/trump-tennessee-nashville-rnc-donor-retreat |access-date=2023-04-13 |website=Axios |language=en}}</ref>

The state legislature passed bills designed to improve safety measures at schools. In March, it passed a law allowing private schools to hire [[school resource officer]]s from police departments to help prevent shootings, effective immediately.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Kruesi |first=Kimberlee |date=March 31, 2023 |title=New Tennessee law allows police officers in private schools |publisher=[[Associated Press]] |url=https://apnews.com/article/tennessee-officers-private-schools-shootings-ce5fd0b194e4a291c05b75344e0726bd |access-date=April 2, 2023 |archive-date=April 2, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230402014140/https://apnews.com/article/tennessee-officers-private-schools-shootings-ce5fd0b194e4a291c05b75344e0726bd |url-status=live }}</ref> In April, the legislature passed a bill allocating $230 million towards school safety, including to place school-resource officers in every school; the bill was signed into law in May.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=[[USA Today]]|title=Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee signs $230M school safety law: Here's what it does|first=Vivian|last=Jones|date=May 10, 2023|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2023/05/10/tenn-gov-bill-lee-signs-230m-school-safety-after-nashville-shooting/70205131007/}}</ref>

On August 8, 2023, Governor [[Bill Lee (Tennessee politician)|Bill Lee]] officially called for a special session of the General Assembly to be held on August 21 to focus on public safety in response to the shooting.<ref>{{cite web|title=Gov. Lee Issues Official Call, Presents Legislative Priorities Ahead of Public Safety Special Session|url=https://www.tn.gov/governor/news/2023/8/8/gov--lee-issues-official-call--presents-legislative-priorities-ahead-of--public-safety-special-session.html|publisher=Office of the Governor |date=August 8, 2023|access-date=August 8, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Gov. Bill Lee officially calls Tennessee lawmakers back for Aug. 21 special session|url=https://www.tennessean.com/story/news/politics/2023/08/08/gov-bill-lee-calls-tennessee-special-session-for-aug-21-after-covenant-shooting/70542417007/|author1=Brown, Melissa|author2=Vivian Jones |website=The Tennessean |date=August 8, 2023|access-date=August 8, 2023}}</ref>

===Controversy over Hale's writings===
In the immediate aftermath of the shooting, police officers collected what was initially described as a "[[manifesto]]" authored by Hale.<ref name="NYT 2023-03-27" /> David Rausch, the director of the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, later called the descriptor a "mischaracterization", describing the writings as a document detailing Hale's plan and "journal-type rantings".<ref name="NBC Motive Update" /> The MNPD denied requests for the files by ''[[The Tennessean]]''<ref name="Tennessean Calls for Writings">{{cite news|url=https://www.tennessean.com/story/news/crime/2023/04/25/covenant-shooting-a-month-later-calls-grow-for-police-to-release-files/70150524007/|title=A month after Covenant shooting, calls grow for police to release files|first=Melissa|last=Brown|date=April 25, 2023|work=[[The Tennessean]]}}</ref> and state senator [[Todd Gardenhire]],<ref name="Stockard">{{cite news|work=Tennessee Lookout|title=Republicans demand release of shooter's manifesto before special session|first=Sam|last=Stockard|date=April 25, 2023|url=https://tennesseelookout.com/2023/04/25/republicans-demand-release-of-shooters-manifesto-before-special-session/}}</ref> who argued, along with some open-government advocates, that Tennessee's public records laws required the release of the writings.<ref name="WSMV Writings" /> Metro Nashville Council Member Courtney Johnston said that the FBI had told her that the documents would not be released because they detailed a "blueprint of total destruction" and could inspire other shooters.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=[[The New York Sun]]|first=Matthew|last=Rice|date=April 29, 2023|url=https://www.nysun.com/article/nashville-school-shooters-manifesto-will-finally-be-released-perhaps-shedding-light-on-killers-motive|title=Nashville School Shooter's Manifesto Will Finally Be Released, Perhaps Shedding Light on Killer's Motive}}</ref> Several Tennessee politicians<ref name="Stockard" /> and public figures—including [[Elon Musk]] and [[Donald Trump Jr.]]—publicly called for the release of the documents.<ref name="WSMV Writings" /><ref name="Tennessean Calls for Writings" /> Senator [[Bill Hagerty]] said, "I think people do deserve to know what took place [and] what was in the mind of this sick person that committed these heinous murders."<ref name="Tennessean Calls for Writings" /> House Republican Caucus Chairman [[Jeremy Faison]] attributed the lack of a legislative response to the shootings to the delayed release, saying, "We cannot possibly address this horrific situation until we know what was in [the] manifesto."<ref name="WSMV Writings" /><ref name="Stockard" />

On April 28, 2023, Tennessee Governor [[Bill Lee (Tennessee politician)|Bill Lee]] announced that, per his communications with Drake, the writings would be released "very soon".<ref>{{cite news|publisher=[[WSMV-TV|WSMV]]|url=https://www.wsmv.com/2023/04/28/governor-lee-says-journals-covenant-shooter-will-be-released-soon/|title=Governor Lee says journals of Covenant Shooter will be released soon|date=April 28, 2023|first=Chuck|last=Morris}}</ref> When the [[National Police Association]]<ref>{{Cite news|work=[[PR Newswire]]|url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-national-police-association-files-suit-to-obtain-the-nashville-shooter-manifesto-301811954.html|date=May 1, 2023|title=The National Police Association Files Suit to Obtain the Nashville Shooter 'Manifesto'}}</ref> and the Tennessee Firearms Association,<ref>{{cite news|first=Kat|last=Gerasimenko|title=Tennessee Firearms Association sues Metro over Covenant shooter's manifesto|date=May 1, 2023|url=https://newschannel9.com/nashville-middle-tennessee-google-inews-facebook-tn-firearms-association-sues-metro-over-covenant-shooters-manifesto|publisher=[[WTVC]]}}</ref> separately, filed suit to obtain the writings, the MNPD announced that, in the face of "pending litigation", it would delay the release on the advice of counsel.<ref>{{cite news|title=Nashville police delay Covenant School shooting manifesto release|first1=Greg|last1=Norman|first2=Michael|last2=Ruiz|url=https://www.foxnews.com/us/nashville-police-delay-covenant-school-shooting-manifesto-release|date=May 3, 2023|publisher=[[Fox News]]}}</ref> The Covenant School sought to intervene in both cases<ref>{{cite news|publisher=[[CNN]]|title=What we know about the complex court fight over the Nashville school shooter's writings|first=Dakin|last=Andone|date=May 19, 2023|url=https://www.cnn.com/2023/05/19/us/nashville-school-shooter-writings-court/index.html}}</ref> to protect "sensitive information owned by The Covenant School" from being released,<ref>{{cite news|work=[[The Tennessean]]|title=TN House GOP requests school shooting records; Covenant wants a say in what's released|first=Evan|last=Mealins|date=May 16, 2023|url=https://www.tennessean.com/story/news/local/2023/05/16/tennessee-house-gop-requests-covenant-school-shooting-records/70220998007/}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Covenant School files motions to intervene in the release of shooter's writings|publisher=[[WSMV-TV]]|url=https://www.wsmv.com/2023/05/16/covenant-school-files-motions-intervene-release-shooters-writings/|first=Tony|last=Garcia|date=May 16, 2023}}</ref> and a collection of Covenant parents, representing 75% of the families at the school, sought to provide argument that the writings—even in a redacted form—should not be released at all.<ref>{{cite news|title=The Covenant School parents don't want the shooter's writings released at all. Here's why.|first=Emily|last=West|date=May 17, 2023|url=https://www.newschannel5.com/news/the-covenant-school-parents-dont-want-the-shooters-writings-released-at-all-heres-why|publisher=[[WTVF]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Covenant School parents oppose the release of shooter's writings in court filing|first1=Caleb|last1=Wethington|first2=Stacey|last2=Cameron|url=https://www.wsmv.com/2023/05/17/covenant-school-parents-oppose-release-shooters-writings-court-filing/|date=May 23, 2023|publisher=[[WSMV-TV]]}}</ref> A judge granted the requests to intervene by the school and the parents.<ref>{{cite news|title=Nashville Parents Can Have Say in Case Over Shooter's Writings, Judge Rules|first=Emily|last=Cochran|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/05/24/us/nashville-covenant-school-shooter-writings.html|date=May 24, 2023|newspaper=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref> In March 2024, a federal judge in Tennessee has ordered the FBI to hand over the [[School shooting|manifesto]] left behind by the shooter.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ruiz |first=Michael |date=2024-03-20 |title=Judge orders FBI to hand over trans school shooter Audrey Hale's manifesto |url=https://www.foxnews.com/us/judge-orders-fbi-hand-over-trans-school-shooter-audrey-hale-manifesto |access-date=2024-06-10 |website=Fox News |language=en-US}}</ref>

==== Leaks ====
On November 6, 2023, images of three pages of Hale's diary were released by conservative commentator [[Steven Crowder]].<ref name="WBIRLeak"/> Nashville Police chief John Drake confirmed the authenticity of the images,<ref name="CNNLeak">{{cite web |last1=Rosales |first1=Isabel |last2=Sayers |first2=Devon M. |title=Authorities are investigating online posts allegedly showing Nashville school shooter's writings |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2023/11/06/us/nashville-investigation-shooter-online-writings/index.html |website=CNN |access-date=6 November 2023 |date=6 November 2023}}</ref> and Nashville mayor [[Freddie O'Connell]] directed Nashville's Department of Law to investigate "how these images could have been released".<ref name="WBIRLeak">{{cite web |title=Nashville mayor's office investigating after images leaked claiming to be part of Covenant School shooter's writings |url=https://www.wbir.com/article/news/state/covenant-shooting/51-4b38ab20-3218-42b4-b1d3-9fbec00f6d26 |website=[[WBIR]] |access-date=6 November 2023 |date=6 November 2023}}</ref><ref name="CNNLeak"/> The leaks showed that Hale was hoping for "a [[Mass shooting|high death count]]" and had a stated desire to "kill little [[Cracker (term)|crackers]]" and "[[faggot]]s" with "[[white privilege]]".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Chung |first=Frank |date=7 November 2023 |title=Photos of Nashville school shooter's alleged manifesto leak online |url=https://www.news.com.au/world/north-america/photos-of-nashville-school-shooters-alleged-manifesto-leak-online/news-story/bcda236754578d4e5086d9009cdd2b2e |access-date=9 November 2023 |website=news.com.au}}</ref>

==See also==
{{Portal|Crime|Schools|Tennessee}}
* [[Gun violence in the United States]]
* [[List of mass shootings in the United States in 2023]]
* [[List of school shootings in the United States (2000–present)]]
* [[List of school shootings in the United States by death toll]]
* [[List of filmed mass shootings]]

==Notes==
{{notelist}}

== References ==
{{reflist}}

{{Nashville}}
{{Mass shootings in the United States in the 2020s}}
{{School shootings in the United States}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Nashville School shooting, 2023}}
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