Nashville is in mourning after a deadly mass shooting left three children and three school staff members dead at the Covenant School. The suspect, identified as a 28-year-old former student, has been taken into custody.
"It was truly horrific," said Nashville Mayor John Cooper in a statement. "Our hearts go out to the victims and their families during this difficult time."
According to police, the shooting occurred on Monday morning at the Covenant School, a private K-12 school located in downtown Nashville. The suspect allegedly entered the school with firearms and opened fire on students and staff members before being apprehended by law enforcement.
"This is an unspeakable tragedy," said Police Chief John Drake during a press conference following the shooting. "We are working closely with school officials and local authorities to investigate this incident thoroughly."
The identities of the victims have not yet been released pending notification of family members. However, sources say that among those killed were two teachers and one guidance counselor.
"Our community is devastated by this loss," said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Adrienne Battle in a statement released shortly after news of the shooting broke. "Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by this senseless act of violence."
As details continue to emerge regarding Monday's events at Covenant School, many are grappling with how such an unthinkable tragedy could occur.
"We will be asking questions about how we can prevent something like this from happening again," said Mayor Cooper in his statement. "But for now, our focus must be on supporting those who have been impacted by this tragedy."