On Monday morning, a 28-year-old armed with at least three firearms entered a Nashville private Christian school, opening fire and claiming the lives of six people. Police now say the shooter appears to be a former student.
Police engaged suspect Audrey Hale upon their arrival at The Covenant School, resulting in a gunfight that claimed the shooter’s life. While at first, authorities believed her to be in her teens, they have since shared she is 28 and a resident of Nashville.
Numerous reports say Audrey was currently identifying as Aiden.
A portfolio website attributed to the suspect says this: "Aside from art, I enjoy binging on video games, watching movies, and playing sports. There is a child-like part about me that loves to go run to the playground. Animals are my second passion, so I also enjoy spending time with my two cats."
Hale was said to be armed with two “assault-style rifles and a handgun” when officers confronted and inevitably opened fire that killed them, police said.
After entering the school, Hale went from the first to the second floor, firing her weapons multiple times, claiming the lives of three children, all of whom were 9-years-old, and three staff members.
As of this afternoon, Metropolitan Nashville Police Chief John Drake shared at a press conference that they were conducting an investigation of the shooter’s home. He noted they did not know when she may have attended The Covenant School, but they believe Hale was a former student.
“At one point, she was a student at that school,” Drake said. “But unsure what year ... but that’s what I’ve been told so far.”
Police are still investigating exactly Hale got into the school, as doors are supposed to remain locked. However, Drake noted that officers were able to quickly identify who the shooter was thanks to a car near the scene.
“There was a vehicle that was nearby that gave us clues as to who she was,” Drake said.
Drake praised officers for their efforts, saying that the situation “could have been far, far worse” had they not responded in the manner they did.
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