The Federal Bureau of Investigation released over 100 pages of material related to the Covenant School shooting investigation, including the shooter's journal,. This release occurred without an initial explanation and comprises writings, receipts, and drawings associated with the shooter, as reported by WSMV4.
The documents were made public following a period of controversy, in which a former Metro Nashville Police officer was charged with official misconduct for leaking confidential information, including the shooter's writings. According to WSMV4, Garet Davidson is accused of using his position to access restricted files without authorization and faces charges accordingly. The parents of the Covenant School have been vocal in their opposition to the release of the shooter's writings.
The Metro Nashville Police Department had previously concluded its investigation into the March 27, 2023, shooting, which took six lives at the Covenant School. The final report, shared by The Tennessean, found no evidence to suggest anyone other than the shooter, Audrey Hale, was involved in the planning or execution of the attack. It also stated that there was no evidence proving anyone aided Hale after the fact or interfered with the investigation.
Journals released by the FBI, which were tied up in a public records court case, portray Hale as a troubled individual, discussing lost love and personal struggles with autism and self-hatred. These entries include references to death and explicit planning related to the attack on Covenant School. However, police reported that there was no manifesto, merely random journal entries, and that the released journals do not explain why Hale carried out the shooting or targeted the Covenant School specifically. According to NewsChannel5, one entry dated March 13, 2023, reads, "I am sorry. Innocent lives will be taken," indicating Hale's awareness of the tragic implications of her actions.
