Newly launched FBI information linked to the Covenant Faculty taking pictures in Nashville embody writings made by shooter Audrey Elizabeth Hale that shed additional mild 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 college taking pictures and references to weapons Hale meant to amass.
A number of the writings record “Christian college (hate faith)” as a purpose for concentrating on the Covenant Faculty.
Hale, 28, carried out the March 27, 2023, assault on the Christian elementary college she as soon as attended, killing six individuals earlier than being shot useless by responding Metro Nashville Police Division officers.
The victims had been recognized as college employees 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 shifting via the varsity armed with a number of firearms.
Authorities have stated Hale entered the constructing via a facet entrance and moved via a number of areas of the varsity earlier than being confronted by officers.
Shortly earlier than the taking pictures, Hale despatched a textual content message to a good friend describing the deliberate assault as a “suicide mission” and stating the good friend would probably “hear about me on the information after I die,” in line with 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 intensive notes about firearms Hale deliberate to buy and use within the assault.
The Tennessee Star additionally reported these information might lend assist to statements Hale’s dad and mom made to Metro Nashville Police Division detectives shortly after the taking pictures.
Hale’s dad and mom reportedly instructed investigators in 2023 that their little one had used federal Pell Grant cash to buy the firearms used within the assault.
Hale’s mom additionally reportedly instructed police that as a result of Hale was over 25 and enrolled as a scholar, parental revenue 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 taking pictures.
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 total manifesto.
