Newly launched FBI information related to the Covenant College capturing in Nashville embrace writings made by shooter Audrey Elizabeth Hale that shed additional gentle on her motivations, planning and private funds.
The FBI launched greater than 100 pages of Hale’s writings following litigation, which included journal entries believed so far again to late 2021, handwritten notes outlining preparations for a faculty capturing and references to weapons Hale meant to accumulate.
A number of the writings checklist “Christian faculty (hate faith)” as a motive for concentrating on the Covenant College.
Hale, 28, carried out the March 27, 2023, assault on the Christian elementary faculty she as soon as attended, killing six folks earlier than being shot lifeless by responding Metro Nashville Police Division officers.
The victims had been recognized as faculty workers members Katherine Koonce, 60; Cynthia Peak, 61; and Mike Hill, 61; together with college students Hallie Scruggs, Evelyn Dieckhaus and William Kinney, all age 9.
Surveillance footage launched by police following the assault confirmed Hale transferring by way of the varsity armed with a number of firearms.
Authorities have mentioned Hale entered the constructing by way of a aspect entrance and moved by way of a number of areas of the varsity earlier than being confronted by officers.
Shortly earlier than the capturing, Hale despatched a textual content message to a good friend describing the deliberate assault as a “suicide mission” and stating the good friend would doubtless “hear about me on the information after I die,” in response to summaries launched by officers.
Among the many newly launched FBI supplies is a handwritten web page seen by Fox Information Digital and labeled “Account Financial savings Report,” and referenced federal scholar monetary assist.
Within the entry, Hale wrote that “FAFSA [sic] grant checks began at $2,050.86,” adopted by ledger-style notes documenting funds from Nossi School of Artwork and Design in Nashville, the place Hale was enrolled on the time.
The monetary entries seem alongside in depth notes about firearms Hale deliberate to buy and use within the assault.
The Tennessee Star additionally reported these information might lend help to statements Hale’s mother and father made to Metro Nashville Police Division detectives shortly after the capturing.
Hale’s mother and father reportedly advised investigators in 2023 that their youngster had used federal Pell Grant cash to buy the firearms used within the assault.
Hale’s mom additionally reportedly advised police that as a result of Hale was over 25 and enrolled as a scholar, parental earnings not factored into monetary assist eligibility, permitting Hale to qualify for grant funding regardless of being unemployed.
Metro Nashville Police Chief John Drake beforehand confirmed that investigators recovered a manifesto and hand-drawn maps from Hale’s car after the capturing.
Whereas parts of Hale’s writings have since been launched, each metropolis police and the FBI have continued to withstand public information requests for the complete manifesto.
