How Do We Move Forward? A Nightmare in Nashville.
By now, everyone knows of the horrific events that took place in Nashville, Tennessee, yesterday when an armed murderer entered a Christian school and mercilessly killed three children – all age nine – and three adults on staff. Nashville police officers swiftly put the killer down before she could take any more innocent lives, but today all our hearts are broken and aching from this awful nightmare.
As reported yesterday by Fox News:
A shooting at a Tennessee private Christian grade school left three students and three adults dead, including the head of the school, Monday and the shooter was killed by police, authorities said.
The victims were killed in the attack at the Covenant School, authorities said. Nashville police say officers engaged with and killed the shooter, identified as a 28-year-old female carrying two “assault-type rifles” and a handgun.
The shooter was identified as Audrey Elizabeth Hale, a Nashville resident, who identified as [transgender]. Investigators were investigating a home connected to her. Nashville police Chief John Drake said Hale possibly prepared for the shooting, including having written a manifesto.
Investigators have now reported finding a manifesto in the shooter’s home, as well as other weapons, a map of the school, and other unspecified evidence. Additionally,, the Metro Nashville Police Department has released the bodycam footage from two of the officers who entered the school and took the shooter out.
Everyone here at the ACLJ, from my dad, ACLJ Chief Counsel Jay Sekulow, to our entire staff, is praying for the students and families of Covenant School. But this morning, we’re all asking the same things: Why has this happened again? And how do we, as a nation move forward and protect our children? As a father myself, and a Nashville resident, I want to know that our schools are safe. Does that mean more armed security on school grounds? Do we arm our teachers? Rather than coming together as a united nation to mourn these lost souls, many on both sides of the aisle opted to politicize this atrocity.
I was appalled by the insensitivity and total lack of decorum of President Joe Biden as he took the opportunity to joke about eating ice cream before turning his attention to the tragedy. It was sick, tone-deaf, and showed how little this Administration really seems to care about anyone outside of its own high walls. Those three young kids will never get to have ice cream again. It is no time for levity, Mr. President. And we shouldn’t have to tell you that.
It doesn’t matter whom you voted for or where you stand on issues like gun control, transgender rights, or anything else. Children are dead, and to use their names as political pawns for your own agenda is sick. Also sickening is how many people attacked and mocked us on social media yesterday for saying we’re praying. Guess what? We ARE praying. Everyone should be.
The bigger question here is, was this school targeted because it was a Christian school? The answer seems more and more likely yes. How do we explain to children that they’re being targeted because they believe in Jesus? There’s no good way because you shouldn’t have to. We pray for the families and the victims, and we pray that this is the last time we have to report on this.
Today’s full Sekulow broadcast includes more discussion of this latest gut-wrenching tragedy and how we can possibly prevent these terrible attacks on our innocent children. We are also joined by Senator Bill Hagerty who represents the State of Tennessee, as well as ACLJ Senior Counsel for Global Affairs Mike Pompeo, who share their reactions to this terrible event.
Watch the full broadcast below:
