Nashville school shooter had other targets, including a shopping mall, police say

Photo: Seth Herald/Getty Images

Audrey Hale opened fire at a private Christian school in Nashville, killing three children and three adults on Monday.However, police believe he may have had other targets, “including perhaps family members and one of the shopping malls.”

“We strongly believe there will be other targets, including perhaps family members and one of the malls here in Nashville.said the city’s police chief, John Drake, “and that just didn’t happen.”

Police identified the shooter as a 28-year-old Nashville woman who authorities say was armed with at least two assault weapons and a handgun, however, at least four other weapons were found in his house.

Drake said a search of the shooter’s home turned up additional weapons, “and I think a few more related maps with maybe some thoughts on other incidents.”

The shooter had attended the school “and had some history there,” Drake said.

“What detectives have said so far is that there may be some resentment about having to go to that school.”said the police chief.

Drake said authorities believe the shooting was “directed and planned.” He said authorities found a brochure detailing the point of entry to the school, the weapons the shooter used and the clothing he wore during the attack.

The Covenant School is a private Christian school founded in 2001 as a ministry of the Covenant Presbyterian Church. The school teaches classes from preschool to sixth grade and has an average enrollment of about 200 people in recent years, according to its website.

For now, Authorities continue to work to answer questions about who Hale was and the motive for the school shooting.

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