Following the tragic school shooting in Nashville, the police have stated that they "strongly believe" that the shooter had more targets which included a local shopping mall.
The shooting took place on March 27 when 28-year-old Audrey Hale opened fire at The Covenant School in Nashville, claiming the lives of six individuals.
Among the victims were Evelyn Dieckhaus, Hallie Scruggs, and William Kinney, all aged nine, Cynthia Peak, aged 61, Katherine Koonce, aged 60, and Mike Hill, aged 61.
The attack lasted approximately 14 minutes and came to an end when armed police located and fatally shot Hale, as stated by Metro Nashville Police Chief John Drake per CNN.
Credit: Camden Hall / Alamy
Police have now revealed that they believe Hale had intended to continue the attack at further locations such as a shopping mall, as Nashville Police Chief John Drake said on CBS Mornings.
"We strongly believe there was going to be some other targets, including maybe family members, and one of the malls here in Nashville," Drake said. "And that just did not happen."
Hale, a former student at the school, had two assault rifles and a handgun during the attack, but a search of the shooter's home revealed a further two weapons, and "I believe some more maps pertaining to maybe some thinking about some other incidents," Drake said.
Authorities have stated that they believe the attack to be "targeted and planned" with Drake adding: "What detectives have said so far is there's possibly some resentment for having to go to that school," referencing Hale's attendance as a student.
A thorough search revealed a booklet that had been written by Hale, which detailed every entrance point of the school, the weapon that was used, and the clothes that the shooter wore on the day.
Following the shooting, there has been an outcry to make it so assault weapons cannot be bought by the general public, as all of Hale's weapons were purchased legally.
Leading the call is Valerie Bertinelli, who took to Twitter where she wrote: "Ban assault rifles not tiktok. Ban assault rifles not books. Ban assault rifles not voting rights. Ban assault rifles not reproductive rights. Ban assault rifles not health care. Ban assault rifles not trans rights. Ban assault rifles not gay marriage. Ban assault rifles."
As per a report by ABC News, Police Chief Drake stated that Hale was "born a female and identified as transgender," with a further comment adding that the shooter was born female but used he/him pronouns on social media.
The school's president and CEO Cyrus Vatandoost confirmed that Hale used to be a student at the school, stating to ABC: "While at our school, she was a talented artist and a good student," before adding: "Our thoughts and prayers go out to her family, to the victims and their families and to our city."
Our thoughts continue to be with all those affected by this tragedy.
