On March 27th, 2023, The Covenant School, a private Christian school located in Nashville, Tennessee, experienced a school shooting by a former student. 

6 people were killed, including three children and three adults.

“Hale – armed with three firearms, according to police – stormed the Covenant School, gaining entry to the building by firing through the building’s locked glass doors,” CNN said. “Within minutes, Nashville officers arrived at the scene and confronted Hale as the shooter was ‘firing through a window at arriving police cars.’”

Police believe the shooter planned the attack months beforehand. 

“The 28-year-old was under care for an emotional disorder and had legally bought seven firearms that were hidden at home,” Metro Nashville Police Chief John Drake said. “Hale came to the school on Monday with two AR-style weapons and a handgun.”

The shooter was killed by police officers who fired at him during the school shooting.

“​​Investigators found a suicide note when they executed a search warrant at the home of the shooter,” CNN said. “Investigators with the police department and the FBI’s Behavioral Analysis Unit continue to review writings left behind by Hale, which police said Monday contain documentation of Hale’s planning.”

Many protests in favor of gun control followed the shooting.

“One week after six people were killed in a mass shooting at The Covenant School, hundreds of high school students across Nashville walked out of their classrooms on Monday morning, joining parents and supporters to rally and demand gun reform,” The Tennessean said. “They were joined by Rep. Justin Jones (D-Nashville), who is facing sanctions as severe as expulsion for leading protest chants Thursday from the House floor.”

Legislative committees have voted to postpone gun-related legislation to next year. 

“Families of the six victims in a mass shooting at the Covenant School in Green Hills Monday morning are mourning their losses, with several funeral services planned in the coming days,” WKRN said. “Their friends and family have honored their lives by telling their stories and leaning on the community with moments of prayer and several vigils held in the days following the shooting.”

The city has been grieving the loss of children and adults.

“Our community is heartbroken,” a school representative said. “We are focused on loving our students, our families, our faculty and staff and beginning the process of healing.”