Tennessee’s lawmakers at the state and federal level Wednesday marked the year anniversary of the mass shooting at The Covenant School in Nashville, which claimed six lives.
Tennessee’s House Republicans shared the following message on X.
One year ago today, six lives were brutally taken at the Covenant School.
Death does not have the final word. Christ, who weeps over our suffering, will make all things new – and He will return hand in hand with Evelyn, William, Hallie, Katherine, Mike, and Cynthia.
As Nashville continues to grieve, we have seen the families of the Covenant School, who come from all walks of life, bring light to the darkest of times.
They are proof of the God who draws near to the brokenhearted and the Savior whose death and resurrection brings life to us all.
Gov. Bill Lee (R) shared a message of prayer and reflection in a similar statement:
One year ago, The Covenant School experienced one of the most tragic and heartbreaking events in our state’s history.
There are no words adequate enough to describe the immeasurable pain and sorrow of the families.
Tennessee has been forever changed, and yet our hope is that through that change, along with the prayers of millions, there will be redemption through this great tragedy.
Maria and I join many Tennesseans in lifting up the Covenant community in prayer.
State Senator Gloria Johnson (D-Knoxville), who is challenging Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) for a seat in the U.S. Senate, used the day to make a political statement about gun control.
“One year on, we still mourn their loss. One year on, our communities are still showing up to demand sensible gun laws. One year on, our state legislature refuses to act,” she said on X.
“The names of those we lost at Covenant are forever etched into my heart, and for as long as I am able I will never stop fighting to end the senseless gun violence that took these precious lives from their loved ones,” she said.
The names of those we lost at Covenant are forever etched into my heart, and for as long as I am able I will never stop fighting to end the senseless gun violence that took these precious lives from their loved ones. #Covenant
— Rep. Gloria Johnson (@VoteGloriaJ) March 27, 2024
As of press time, neither State Representative Justin Jones (D-Nashville) nor State Representative Justin Pearson (D-Memphis) appeared to make public statements on the anniversary of the shooting, which was carried out by Audrey Elizabeth Hale, who identified as transgender.
Jones and Pearson were expelled from the General Assembly for their role in a riot at the State Capitol in the wake of the shooting. Both later won reelection.
Federal lawmakers weighed in, too.
“Today marks one year since the shooting that occurred at the Covenant School in Nashville. Violence against children is one of the most heinous crimes imaginable — especially in schools where they should be safe to learn, play, and be children,” said Blackburn on X. “My heart breaks for the families of those who lost loved ones in this senseless act of violence, and my prayers are with them on this solemn day.”
“In Congress, [Sen. Bill Hagerty (R-TN] and I introduced the SAFE School Act that would allow public & private schools to train and hire veterans and former law enforcement officers to serve as school safety officers & provide funding to harden schools and increase physical security,” she continued.
“To make our schools safer, [Blackburn] & I introduced the SAFE School Act to provide funding for security at schools & train/hire veterans & former law enforcement officers to serve as safety officers, & we’ll continue to support school safety on the federal level,” Hagerty said, echoing Blackburn’s message.
Hale, who was killed on the scene of the mass shooting, left behind a vulgar manifesto, part of which singled out white people. Authorities have hidden that manifesto, but podcaster Steven Crowder shared a leaked portion of it on his show in November.
Star News Digital Media, the parent company of The Tennessee Star, is a plaintiff in state and federal lawsuits demanding the full release of the documents.
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Pete D’Abrosca is a reporter at The Tennessee Star and The Star News Network. Follow Pete on X / Twitter.
Photo “Covenant School” by Metro Nashville PD.
Release all Ms. Hale’s writings, all of it. Johnson is just a loudmouth…..hopefully she’ll find another job soon.