New facts continue to emerge in the wake of the March 27 mass shooting at The Covenant School in Nashville, Tenn. The first shots rang out a few minutes after 10 a.m. last Thursday. Amazingly, first responders took down the shooter 14 minutes later.
The incredible response time becomes even more significant in light of the recent announcement that the shooter methodically planned the shooting spree for months.
The Metro Nashville Police Chief John Drake reported: “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 Christian school.”
The carnage could have been much worse, as the assailant was heavily armed. In just 14 minutes, the killer fired 152 rounds. By 10:30 a.m., two officers had fired and struck the assailant.
Three nine-year-old children and three staff members were killed in the attack.
On Monday, Drake revealed the shooter, 28, had “considered the actions of other mass murderers.” Drake noted the shooter had “explored” other locations, including two public schools and a mall.
A representative from the police dept. noted that armed security likely deterred the shooter from attacking the other sites.
In addition to the fast and heroic action of first responders, stories have emerged commending the courageous actions of several parents, adult workers, the principal and one nine-year-old child.
Surveillance video shows the shooter blasting her way through locked glass doors to gain entrance into the school.
Police body cam footage shows adults directing officers when they arrive and several officers running up stairs toward the sound of gunfire.
The New York Post reported that Officers Rex Engelbert and Michael Collazo each fired four rounds, killing the shooter.
The victims include nine-year-old’s Evelyn Diekhaus, Hallie Scruggs and William Kinney; school custodian Mike Hill; substitute teacher Cynthia Peak; and principal Katherine Koonce.
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