Tragedy unfolded in a Nashville elementary school after a lone gunman entered the building and began firing. While details are still scarce at this time, it has been reported that three children were transported to a local hospital and that all three died from their injuries. It is unknown how many other children were shot and wounded.
Reports also indicate that an adult died on campus. While Nashville police engaged with the shooter on scene and ended any further threats after fatally injuring him, it is likewise unclear if the shooter represents the adult death or if a staff member was also killed during the horrific events.
The active shooter situation was announced mid-morning at Nashville’s Covenant School, located at Covenant Presbyterian Church. It is a small, private, parochial elementary school hosting kindergarten through 6th grade.
“We are responding to an active aggressor at 33 Burton Hills Blvd Covenant School. We can confirm we have multiple patients. Parents coming to the school should go to 20 Burton Hills at this time. this is an active scene,” the Nashville first responders tweeted around 10:30 am local time Monday.
An active shooter event has taken place at Covenant School, Covenant Presbyterian Church, on Burton Hills Dr. The shooter was engaged by MNPD and is dead. Student reunification with parents is at Woodmont Baptist Church, 2100 Woodmont Blvd. pic.twitter.com/vO8p9cj3vx
— Metro Nashville PD (@MNPDNashville) March 27, 2023
Shortly after the shooting was reported to have occurred and later ended, additional reports began appearing this morning with the devastating news that young children had been murdered and ripped from their families.
Dom Proto, of Good Morning America, reported at least 3 casualties so far. “Vanderbilt University Medical Center confirms 3 pediatric patients were transported to Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt. all having suffered gunshot wounds after a shooting at Covenant School in Nashville. All 3 have died,” he tweeted.
#BREAKING: Vanderbilt University Medical Center confirms 3 pediatric patients were transported to Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt. all having suffered gunshot wounds after a shooting at Covenant School in Nashville. All 3 have died.@amfaul reports.
— Dom Proto (@Dom_Proto) March 27, 2023
Tennessee Governor Bill Lee issued his first comments via Twitter.
“I am closely monitoring the tragic situation at Covenant, & the @TNDeptofSafety & @TNHighwayPatrol 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,” he said.
The state’s two Republican Senators also shared their reactions to the horrible tragedy.
“Devastated and heartbroken about the tragic news at Covenant School,” Senator Bill Hagerty tweeted this morning. “I’m grateful to law enforcement and first responders for their heroic actions. I am monitoring the situation closely, and my office is in contact with local officials & available to anyone needing assistance.”
“Chuck & I are heartbroken to hear about the shooting at Covenant School in Nashville. My office is in contact with federal, state, & local officials, & we stand ready to assist,” Senator Marsha Blackburn wrote in a statement. “Thank you to the first responders working on site. Please join us in prayer for those affected.”
The Nashville Police Department was given praise below many of the embedded threads for their quick action and heroic response to engage the shooter. It is in stark contrast to the situation that played out in Uvalde, Texas last year when law enforcement tiptoed inside an elementary school and gave a lunatic gunman over an hour alone with helpless students.
“Thank you for your quick response,” wrote former congressional candidate Kim Klacik.
“Seems like the MNPD did an amazing job in stopping tragedy unfolding,” wrote another.
“God Bless the quick response of the Nashville PD,” commented one user.
“The quick response of Nashville PD I’m sure saved many. Prayers to the families and community,” tweeted another person.
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