Audrey Hale, the 28-year-old who killed six people during last week’s shooting at the Nashville Covenant School had planned the attack for months, according to the Metro Nashville Police Department. In a statement released on Monday, law enforcement officials provided a monumental update as families of the loved ones who lost their lives — three of which were children — continue to search for answers as to why Hale had senselessly targeted the elementary school on March 27, to begin with.
“In the collective writings by Hale found in her vehicle in the school parking lot, and others later found in the bedroom of her home, she documented, in journals, her planning over a period of months to commit mass murder at the Covenant School,” the MNPD revealed, confirming that their findings showed the attack was not random or out of the blue.
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But that’s not all… police further revealed that Hale, who was trans and used he/him pronouns, did not just have his eyes set on the school but also planned on committing other mass murders.
It’s believed Hale had planned on targeting two other public schools, and that during his 12-minute shooting spree at the elementary school in Nashville, an eye-watering 152 rounds were fired from the two assault rifles and pistol he entered the building with. Some of the petrified children ran for cover as soon as they heard gunshots being fired, with police saying a handful hid in the art room closet.
At a pink and green themed memorial service on Friday, the life of nine-year-old Evelyn Dieckhaus, who was shot and killed by transgender killer Audrey Hale, was remembered as a “beacon of light.” The service was held at Woodmount Christian Church in Nashville, only three miles away from the Covenant school where the little girl was killed week Monday.
During the funeral, mourners arrived dressed in pink and green to pay tribute to her “light and love of color” while children brought stuffed animals. Clay Stauffer, the Senior Pastor, remarked that Evelyn could have been anything, but she chose to be a bright light of hope, love, and joy to those around her.
An image of her wearing a pink headband was included in the service program, and an obituary described her as “strong but never pushy” with “poise beyond her years”.
The Nashville Covenant School Shooting had far-reaching impacts beyond the immediate victims and their families. The tragedy highlighted the need for improved school safety measures and greater accountability for school officials. It also raised concerns about the impact of school shootings on younger students, who may be traumatized by the events and struggle to feel safe in their own schools.
As a society, we must prioritize the safety and wellbeing of all students, regardless of their age or background. This means investing in school safety measures like mental health support, active shooter drills, and physical security measures. It also means advocating for policies that address the root causes of violence, like poverty, inequality, and discrimination.