Nashville police identified the shooter who opened fire on Monday morning at The Covenant School as 28-year-old Audrey Hale, a transgender former student at the private Presbyterian school.
Three children and three adults were murdered in the shooting: Evelyn Dieckhaus, 9, Hallie Scruggs, 9, William Kinney, 9, Cynthia Peak, 61, Katherine Koonce, 60, and Mike Hill, 61.
Nashville police chief John Drake identified Hale as a transgender woman on Monday afternoon, but Hale listed “He/Him” pronouns on a LinkedIn profile.
Audrey Hale was identified by police as the gunman who opened fire at the Covenant School on Monday morning, killing six people.
Audrey Hale was identified by police as the gunman who opened fire at the Covenant School on Monday morning, killing six people.
Hale allegedly shot through a locked door around 10:13 a.m. to gain entry to the school while armed with two assault-style rifles and a handgun, then climbed the stairs to the second floor and opened fire.
Two Nashville police officers entered the school and went to the sounds of gunfire, where they fatally shot Hale around 10:27 a.m., according to police.
Drake said that a nearby vehicle gave investigators clues to the shooter’s identity.
NASHVILLE SCHOOL SHOOTING: 6 KILLED INCLUDING 3 STUDENTS, SHOOTER DEAD
Hale’s home address is about three miles away from the Covenant School, according to public records. The FBI, ATF, and local police cordoned off that home with crime scene tape on Monday afternoon.
Investigators found a “manifesto” and other writings that they are looking into as they search for a motive.
A police officer walks by an entrance to The Covenant School after a shooting in Nashville, Tenn. on Monday, March 27, 2023. (AP Photo/John Amis)
Hand drawn maps of the school with detailed entry points were also located at the residence.
A LinkedIn profile and personal website that appear to be affiliated with Hale describe her as a graphic designer who creates logos for businesses. She graduated from Nossi College of Art with a degree in illustration and graphic design last year, according to the LinkedIn profile.
