Investigation Underway into Online Posts Allegedly Depicting Nashville School Shooter's Writings
Nashville authorities launch probe into disturbing online posts containing written content seemingly linked to the tragic shooting at a Christian school in March, resulting in the loss of six lives, including three innocent children and three adults
An investigation was initiated by the Nashville police on Monday morning after three photographs of purported writings linked to the March shooting at a private Christian school, where three 9-year-olds and three adults lost their lives, surfaced online. These pictures, claimed to be from the 28-year-old shooter who was once a student at The Covenant School, were released by a conservative political commentator on Monday.
Officials previously stated that they thoroughly examined a notebook containing the shooter's writings to gather more information. It was discovered that the assailant had extensively documented the details of the attack in their personal journal. The police ultimately intervened and fatally shot the attacker on the school premises. CNN is currently assessing the images provided and endeavoring to authenticate their credibility.
CNN has previously reported on journals discovered by the authorities, which were described as being connected to "school shootings; firearm courses."
Mayor Freddie OConnell issued a statement, expressing his directive to the city's law department to conduct an investigation into the release of these images.
The mayor expressed his concerns regarding the safety and well-being of the Covenant families and all the residents of Nashville who are currently mourning, stating that the investigation could potentially involve authorities at the local, state, and federal level.
An attorney representing the parents of the shooter issued a statement to CNN, stating that they were unable to confirm the authenticity of the writings and emphasizing that they had not been released by them. The attorney also clarified that they had never come across any written materials from the shooter.
Federal authorities would not comment on the authenticity of the documents.
"As this matter is being addressed by the courts, the FBI will not be commenting on the reported documents," the FBI said.
Gun rights advocates and news organizations have been engaged in a protracted legal battle in Nashville, pertaining to the public disclosure of documents and records relating to the March 27 shooting. The case revolves around requests for these materials, which could potentially elucidate the shooter's motive, including their journals and a suicide note.
