Absolutely devastating news coming out of Nashville today.
According to CBS News, a female shooter opened fire at Covenant School, a private Presbyterian elementary school in Nashville’s Green Hills neighborhood this morning, killing three children and three adults.
The suspect was fatally shot by police.
Officials initially said that the shooter “appeared to be a teenager,” and was armed with two assault rifles and a handgun, however, the shooter’s identity has since been confirmed to be a 28-year-old woman from Nashville.
All three adults who were fatally shot worked at the school, however the names or ages of the victims have yet to be released.
Metropolitan Nashville Police spokesperson Don Aaron said that officials entered the school building and began to clear it when they heard gunfire on the second level. They moved upstairs where they saw the shooter firing, and that was when they “engaged her,” and was fatally shot by two of the five responding officers at the scene.
The shooter entered through an unlocked side door and moved through the building, from the first floor to second floor, while firing “multiple shots.”
Covenant is a private elementary school that spans from pre-kindergarten to sixth grade with approximately 200 students.
One officer sustained a minor injury to their hand upon making contact with the shooter. Special agents at the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation were also involved in the response.
The agency tweeted:
“At the request of District Attorney General Glenn Funk, TBI special agents and additional personnel are responding to the scene of this morning’s school shooting in Green Hills.
As indicated by Metropolitan Nashville Police Department, there is no current threat to public safety.”
Tennessee Governor Bill Lee also said that he is “closely monitoring” the tragic situation at Covenant, along with state law enforcement and highway patrol officers:
“I am closely monitoring the tragic situation at Covenant, & the Tennessee Department of Safety & Tennessee Highway Patrol are assisting local law enforcement & first responders at the scene.
As we continue to respond, please join us in praying for the school, congregation & Nashville community.”
Nashville Mayor John Cooper also provided a response:
In a tragic morning, Nashville joined the dreaded, long list of communities to experience a school shooting.
My heart goes out to the families of the victims. Our entire city stands with you.
As facts continue to emerge, I thank our first responders and medical professionals.
Nashville police recently briefed the media:
