NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — The term "red flag law" is gaining traction in the wake of the horrific Nashville school shooting earlier this week.
“We need red flag laws,” Rep. John Ray Clemmons (D—Nashville) said. “Red flag laws, in the state of Tennessee, are absolutely necessary.”
They vary from state to state, but for the most part, a red flag law allows law enforcement to potentially mark someone as a "red flag" if they present a danger to themselves or other people. If law enforcement can prove the danger through due process, they can potentially remove guns from someone’s possession and prevent them from purchasing any more.
The concept is something Lt. Gov. Randy McNally (R—Oak Ridge) says he’s on board for here in Tennessee.
“There might be some disagreement here, but that’s something I would support,” he said.
McNally followed that by saying he would want it to have protections against false accusations.
Speaker of the House Cameron Sexton (R—Crossville) said nothing is off the table when it comes to next steps. Reporters asked him if that included assault rifle bans.
“Look, if there’s people who want to discuss it, we’re willing to discuss it," Sexton said. "We’re not saying that we’re agreeable to it, but if you want to have a discussion, every option should be on the table.”
As rally-goers at the state Capitol chanted both inside and outside Thursday, Reps. Justin Jones (D—Nashville), Gloria Johnson (D—Knoxville) and Justin Pearson (D—Memphis) brought a megaphone on the House floor.
The move forced the house to take a 30-plus minute recess.
“I think our members were just a little frustrated, wanted to be heard, wanted the majority to be heard, wanted the people to be heard,” House Minority Leader Karen Camper (D—Memphis) said. “Sometimes, the adrenaline gets going, you get going, and things happen. But I do think it was good trouble.”
Republicans disagreed.
“What is not okay is for members to try and take over the House and start something that would shut down the House in an effort to incite something inside this chamber,” Sexton said.
Sexton’s office confirmed "everything is on the table" when asked if he was thinking about potentially expelling the upstart trio.
When someone is expelled, they lose their seat for the session. In the meantime, the representative's home county commission can appoint someone in their stead.
After session is up, a special election can be held. As long as the expelled member hasn't been convicted of a crime, they can run again.
“Two of the members, Reps. Jones and Johnson have been very vocal about January 6th in Washington D.C., about what that was,” Sexton said on the Hallerin Hilton Hill show on NewsTalk 98.7 in Knoxville. “What they did today was at least equivalent, maybe worse, depending on how you look at it, of doing an insurrection in the Capitol."
While the January 6th insurrection has resulted in nearly 1,000 people charged with federal crimes and the death of one Capitol Police Officer, among others and more injuries, the Davidson County Sheriff's Office said no arrests were made Thursday.
HENDERSONVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — Theresa Daniels has had quite the journey.
"I was not given a lot of hope to succeed by certain people," she said.
Her mother, Jody, knew she was different by the time she was four.
"She barely talked," Jody said. "She couldn't write. She just drew circles."
By the age of 13, everything became more clear after Theresa was officially diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome.
"When you first see a person with a disability, you might think, 'Well how far will they go in life?'" Jody explained. "Theresa has demonstrated that if you don't give up, you have faith, and you keep working with people with disabilities, they can accomplish great things."
Theresa defied the odds by opening up her own business called Theresa's Twists.
"The purpose is to help people like myself, to gain job skills and life skills," she said. "That is really the goal of what we're trying to do."
Theresa's business -- which is also a nonprofit -- helps those with disabilities learn life skills while creating unique pretzels.
"The twist is people like myself are really unique," said Theresa. "Not one person with autism exhibits symptoms in the same way. They all exhibit them differently."
However, Theresa's Twists recently suffered a huge loss.
"Our trailer is completely gone, and it was shocking," said Jody.
"You kind of expect a place to keep those things safe, and not for it to be wide open so somebody can just take it," said Theresa.
Despite their trailer's wheels being booted, her parents said the gate to the facility was open, allowing someone to drive in and take their trailer. They added that the cameras on the property weren't working either.
"I was very extremely disappointed when we found out it had been stolen, but I'm not going to get angry about it," Jody said.
The trailer had a pop-up cart, merchandise, and other equipment Theresa's Twists needed, reaching a total value of nearly $20,000.
"That is really such a huge big part of what we do," said Theresa. "I'd hate to think somebody would do something with that if they don't really know the purpose behind our business of what we do."
According to Theresa, her business will continue on despite this setback, but admits she's still hurt someone would do this.
"It's tough," she said. "I mean, when you start a business, you don't envision someone taking something that's important to it."
News 2 reached out to iStorage, which provided the following statement about the situation:
"We are aware of the unfortunate incident and are cooperating with the local authorities. The storage facility is in the process of having its security system upgraded and we are in dialogue with the customer in regards to this incident."
If you know anything about the trailer’s whereabouts or the theft, you're asked to call the Hendersonville Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Division at 615-264-5303 or the Hendersonville Crime Stoppers at 615-594-4113.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — Organizers are calling for students to walk out of their classes Monday at 10:13 a.m. and head to the Capitol for action on gun violence in Tennessee, though school officials in Nashville are urging students to remain safe in their schools instead.
March for Our Lives, a nonprofit group advocating for action on gun violence formed after the Marjorie Stoneman Douglas High School shooting in Parkland, Florida, in 2018, has called for Nashville students to walk out of their classrooms to "demand gun safety" of their legislators Monday, April 3.
"It's not drag queens, it's not books, it's not Black history, it's not trans rights—GUNS are KILLING KIDS," the group said on Twitter in calling for the walk out. "Nashville: JOIN US and #WalkOut of class and to the state capitol to demand gun safety on MONDAY, APRIL 3 at 10:13 AM."
Tennessee Students Demand Action, a statewide chapter of the national gun safety nonprofit Students Demand Action, announced the group will be joining in the march Monday morning, leaving their classrooms around 10 a.m. in order to walk to the rally planned at the Capitol, which will take place from 10:45 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Thursday morning thousands of parents, students, children and more gathered around the Capitol building in a grassroots rally demanding action from Tennessee lawmakers. Legislators have introduced dozens of gun bills this session, including a bill that would allow private schools like The Covenant School to contract with local law enforcement agencies for school resource officers that was passed by the General Assembly but not yet signed by Gov. Bill Lee.
But Metro Nashville Schools are urging students not to walk out of their schools and travel to the Capitol. Instead, they are asking students to stage a "walk-in" and rally within their high schools.
"I understand and share the frustration, anger, and fears that many of our students, staff, and families have expressed in recent days over the latest and closest in a long line of school shootings and the lack of meaningful action by lawmakers to address the epidemic of gun violence in our society," said Dr. Adrienne Battle, Director of Metro Schools. "Our team has worked closely with student leaders, including our student Board members Abenezer Haile and Alayna Mitchell, to develop a plan of action that would meet the desire of students to voice their concerns while keeping student safety top of mind."
Each Metro high school will have a walk-in rally where students will be able to discuss their concerns, petition their representatives, and participate in activities meant to honor and remember the victims of The Covenant School shooting and those who were killed in past mass shooting events throughout the country, according to Metro Schools Spokesperson Sean Braisted.
The walk-in rallies will last for one hour beginning at 10:13 a.m., the time when Metro Police first received calls of an active shooter at Covenant.
MNPS is also encouraging any staff and students in all tiers who want to participate in some form to wear red on Monday in honor of the victims of The Covenant School Shooting.
MNPS said while some organizations are encouraging students to continue to walk out of school and to the Capitol, this action constitutes a significant safety concern for students as well as a violation of the MNPS Code of Conduct and presents an equity issue for students throughout Davidson County who would not be able to join their peers in participating in an action in support of change.
"We ask that parents encourage their students to remain in school and join the walk-in rallies," Braisted said.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — While discussion on gun legislation in Senate committees was delayed at least a week, there are still plenty of bills filed that deal with firearms and gun safety for legislators to consider this legislative session.
While the vast majority of them would loosen or relax gun laws already in place, some bills filed seek to implement more gun safety measures in the state. News 2 has compiled a list of those bills here:
HB 237/SB 10: Would allow Davidson and Shelby counties to roll back the "constitutional carry" law in those districts and require gun owners in both counties to have a handgun carry permit.
HB 380/SB 17: Would require certain state departments to create programs to reduce gun violence in communities, including a youth employment program, violence intervention program and a gun safety program; as well as require the health department to submit an annual report to the legislature and county governments on public health impacts on gun violence.
HB 970/SB 958: Would require gun permit courses include information about the use of gun locks.
HB 1233/SB 1029: Makes storing a firearm or ammunition in a vehicle or boat while unoccupied a crime, unless they are hidden from plain view and locked within the trunks, utility or glove box or in a similarly locked container securely affixed to the vehicle or boat. Would also require the owner of said firearm or ammunition report a theft of such to law enforcement within 24 hours of the discovery of the theft.
HB 1236/SB 1526: Would enact the "Demilitarization of Police Act." This bill would make any law enforcement agency in the state seeking surplus military equipment, including machine guns, armored vehicles, night vision scopes, camouflage fatigues and flash band grenades, to provide a written 90-day notice of such request to the joint government operations committees of the general assembly or the governing body of the funding agency's jurisdiction. That governing body would then have to approve or deny such request by resolution. Also, the bill would require each law enforcement agency to create an inventory list of all previously acquired surplus military equipment and include the "demonstrated need" for having that equipment and the training provided for its use, as well as costs associated with its maintenance.
HB 1439/SB 1021: Increases the penalties for someone "knowingly giving, selling, lending, delivering, or otherwise transferring" a firearm to someone who is prohibited from purchasing or possessing a firearm under state or federal law.
HB 1466/SB 1343: Would redefine the term "minor" to mean someone under the age of 21 for purposes of obtaining a firearm, unless the person is currently in the military or honorably discharged from the military. The bill would also make it a Class A misdemeanor for a minor to purchase or own a firearm or for a person to sell, loan or gift a firearm to someone under ago 21 unless they're in the military or a veteran.
Hundreds of bills will be up for debate during the 113th General Assembly. Tennessee lawmakers shared their thoughts on some of the major issues up for discussion at this year's legislative session.
SUMNER COUNTY, Tenn. (WKRN) — The Sumner County Sheriff's Office investigated seven different potential school threats on Tuesday, just a day after seven people were killed in a shooting at a private Christian school in Nashville.
Lt. Tommy Greer, who oversees all school resource officers for the Sumner County Sheriff's Office, said normally there are about one to two threats investigated each week, but on Tuesday alone, there were seven possible threats reported.
Parents of children at Station Camp Middle School in Gallatin received letters Tuesday after a female student reportedly said she was "gonna shoot the school" in a post on Snapchat. According to Greer, two children reported the alleged threat to the principal.
Deputies searched the female student's home, but Greer said no weapons were found. The student reportedly told deputies she "was just joking." However, school disciplinary action was taken, and Greer said the student is facing criminal charges.
According to the sheriff's office, the investigation into potential threats at Station Camp Middle School was the only incident that resulted in criminal charges on Tuesday.
The alleged threats came just a day after three children and three staff members were shot and killed at the Covenant School in Green Hills. Metro Nashville Police also killed the shooter after responding to the school.
News 2 has reached out to the Sumner County School District for more information.
WARREN COUNTY, Tenn. (WKRN) - Deputies with the Warren County Sheriff's Department have been visiting Warren County schools, speaking with school administrators and school resource officers about the safety of children while at school in response to the tragic mass shooting that occurred at Covenant School in Nashville Monday.
The sheriff's department said Sheriff Jackie Matheny Jr. wants to emphasize to the public that school safety is his top priority, believing there is a strong relationship between school administration, staff, and SROs. The sheriff encourages them to continue working together on their safety plans at each of the school. He also encourages them to learn, discuss, and practice the safety plan with students.
Owners and operators of preschool and daycares are asked to develop a safety plan to keep preschoolers safe as well. Owners and/or managers of a school or daycare that do not have safety plans are asked to contact the sheriff's department. The sheriff said he will be glad to talk about possible preventive steps that can be taken to help with security.
Anyone who sees or hears anything that may indicate that a person is going to commit a violent crime is asked to call 911 immediately. The sheriff's department said they would rather answer a false call based on a concern, rather than a call regarding a shooting in progress.
The sheriff's department went on to say Sheriff Matheny, his deputies, and the administrative staff are heartbroken for the families and friends of the students and staff associated with The Covenant School in Nashville, as well as The Covenant Presbyterian Church, and issued the following statement:
"We join so many across the nation in praying for them. We also want to continue to pray for the law enforcement officers, first responders, EMS, and all others involved in responding to this tragic event.
"We also want to remember our teachers that are dealing with their own emotions, as well as the emotions and questions from the children in their classrooms because of this horrific shooting."
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — Two new people were added to Nashville's "Top 10 Most Wanted" list this week, including a man who reportedly escaped custody.
Many of them have outstanding warrants for crimes like homicide and child sexual abuse. Within the last week, police arrested three men who were featured on the "Most Wanted" list for charges including homicide, attempted homicide and multiple counts of rape.
The public exposure from the list has helped police end several months-long, and in some cases, years-long manhunts. One of the suspects arrested last week was wanted in connection with a deadly shooting at a Jan. 8 birthday party in East Nashville.
In total, at least 23 suspects in violent or serious crimes have been arrested since the MNPD's criminal warrants division began publishing the "Top 10 Most Wanted" list in mid-October. Below is a full list of the suspects who made the list the week of March 29.
1. Kendrick L. Williams
Kendrick L. Williams (Courtesy: Metro Nashville Police Department)
At number one, Kendrick Williams, 20, is considered this week’s “Top Most Wanted” fugitive, according to the MNPD.
This is the second time Williams has appeared at the top of the list. Police said Williams has outstanding warrants for first-degree murder, premeditated first-degree murder and especially aggravated robbery.
Shannon was taken to the hospital where he was later pronounced dead. Brandon Waire, 20, was arrested that day for homicide and aggravated robbery as police were investigating a potential drug motive.
However, multiple other people are thought to be involved in the incident, including a woman who sped off in a silver Hyundai following the gunfire and a 16-year-old who police said had a pistol believed to be the murder weapon.
Williams is also believed to have played a role in the incident. However, authorities have not been able to locate him.
Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to contact the MNPD at 615-862-8600 or Crime Stoppers at 615-742-7463.
2. William Hall Judice
William Hall Judice (Courtesy: Metro Nashville Police Department)
William Hall Judice, 32, who appeared at number one on the list earlier this month, has outstanding warrants for rape and three counts of aggravated assault with bodily injury, according to police. He was last seen in West Nashville.
3. De’Tynn Q Smith
De’Tynn Q Smith (Courtesy: Metro Nashville Police Department)
De’Tynn Smith, 19, is believed to be the third and final suspect in the April 2022 murder of 39-year-old Tywane Miller. The incident happened in the parking lot of a soon to open 7-Eleven gas station near the intersection of Maxwell and Gallatin Avenues.
Initial reports from police indicated that Miller was shot and killed by at least one person who got out of a white Ford Flex. Miller died at the scene and a passenger in his car suffered non-life-threatening injuries.
After the shooting, an officer reportedly saw the Flex on Shelby Avenue at I-24. The officer pursued the vehicle as it sped off, but eventually ended the pursuit because of the potential danger to other drivers.
The Flex then got onto I-40 and hit the center retaining wall and four other cars before coming to a stop on the interstate between Fesslers Lane and Elm Hill Pike.
Three occupants, including one believed to be Miller, then got out of the Flex and carjacked a 35-year-old Nashville man who was driving a 2013 Subaru Forester SUV, according to police. The Subaru was later found abandoned in a Bordeaux neighborhood.
On March 1, MNPD detectives arrested one of the suspects, Deshawn L. Smith, 31, on a first-degree murder and aggravated robbery indictment. Another suspect, Michael Clay, 31, was charged last September.
Smith is wanted on a grand jury indictment charging him with first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, aggravated robbery and possession of a gun during the commission of a felony, according to the MNPD.
His last location is unknown.
4. Jamion Wynn
Jamion Wynn (Courtesy: Metro Nashville Police Department)
Jamion Wynn, 28, is wanted on an outstanding warrant for first-degree murder dating back to February 2022, as well as a warrant for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.
He was previously featured at number one on the list for three weeks in a row. Wynn’s last location is unknown.
5. Thomas H. Beach
Thomas H. Beach (Courtesy: Metro Nashville Police Department)
Thomas Beach, 37, is wanted on 10 outstanding warrants related to alleged domestic violence incidents, according to police.
The charges against Beach include three counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, aggravated assault by strangulation, four counts of domestic assault with fear of bodily injury, harassment and vandalism $1,000 or less.
Police said Beach is believed to have fired a pistol at a car containing his ex-girlfriend and her two children. His last location is unknown.
6. Brandon G. Martin
Brandon Martin (Courtesy: Metro Nashville Police Department)
Brandon Martin, 42, is wanted on outstanding warrants for sexual battery and two counts of rape, according to the MNPD. Police said Martin was last seen in Hermitage.
7. Aury Newsom
Aury Newsom (Courtesy: Metro Nashville Police Department)
Aury Newsom, 23, is wanted on outstanding warrants for aggravated child endangerment, reckless endangerment, eight counts of burglary, aggravated assault and vandalism, according to police. His last location is unknown.
8. Darius L. Witherspoon
Darius L. Witherspoon (Courtesy: Metro Nashville Police Department)
Darius Witherspoon, 36, is wanted by the MNPD for four counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, evading arrest, reckless endangerment and vandalism. He was last seen in North Nashville.
9. Justin F. Carter
Justin F. Carter (Courtesy: Metro Nashville Police Department)
Justin Carter, 36, was newly added to the list this week. According to the MNPD, he is wanted on seven outstanding warrants, including a recent charge for escaping custody.
The other charges against him include possession of cocaine, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession or casual exchange of a controlled substance, reckless driving, driving with a revoked license and theft of a vehicle greater than $2,500 but less than $1,000.
Police said Carter was last seen in East Nashville.
10. Joshua B. Westmoreland
Joshua B. Westmoreland (Courtesy: Metro Nashville Police Department)
Joshua Westmoreland, 39, is another new addition to the list this week. He is wanted on two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and felon in possession of a weapon, according to the MNPD. He was last seen in East Nashville.
Anyone with information on any of the suspects listed is asked to contact the MNPD at 615-862-8600 or Crime Stoppers at 615-742-7463.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — A horrific tragedy has brought the Nashville community together in more ways than one.
The Covenant School shooting that claimed the lives of six innocent victims, including three children and three adults, has tugged on the heartstrings of people beyond Nashville.
"Nashville as a community, when something happens, we rush to help one another. And I knew, especially this one involving young children, would touch and hit home with every single resident in town," said Hal Cato, CEO of Community Foundation.
The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee established the Caring for Covenant Fund in the almost immediate aftermath of the shooting.
"The fact that this took place literally on a hill that we can see from where we work even brought it home more so. I'm just glad that we're able to be here. Everyone wants to help and no-one knows what to do, and so we're standing in that space trying to coordinate sensitive needs to the Covenant Community, while also helping those who want to do something feel part of the solution," said Cato.
As of 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, March 29, more than $200,000 was raised from almost 2,000 donors.
Cato added they will form a committee made up of Covenant family members and Community Foundation members to decide how the funds will be distributed.
"I think healing from this awful tragedy is going to be different for every single person, but it's making sure everyone has what they need. It's going to be individual based upon each family, each parent, each child, each sibling, impacted by this, but our goal is to make sure the resources, whatever they need, are there," said Cato.
If you're interested in making a donation to the Caring for Covenant fund, click here.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — It was a phone call that changed everything.
“Well, it takes your breath away. It took my breath away. I was rattled. Your heart feels real heavy, and you realize you don't get to talk to him again until you see him in eternity."
Mike Hill (Courtesy: Jim Bachmann)
Jim Bachmann now faces that reality after the death of his beloved friend and custodian, Mike Hill.
"Salt to the earth kind of fellow," Bachmann said of Hill, one of the six victims in the Covenant School shooting Monday morning. "He didn't deserve this; he was a sweet man."
"He's called 'Big Mike' - a big strong fellow," Bachmann said, with a big heart to match. "He would know the kids by name."
It was a deep bond the 61-year-old and Bachmann shared over the last 15 years.
"If we ever needed some heavy lifting done, I'm too old to do it. We'd call Big Mike and he always would," Bachmann said.
"I gave him my car, to show you how much I love him; I just gave him my car," he added.
Not only was Bachmann close with Hill, he says he unfortunately knows a second victim.
"I know Chad Scruggs; He's a good man - he lost his precious little 9-year-old daughter," Bachmann said.
Bachmann, a former pastor at Covenant Presbyterian Church, remembers shooter Audrey Hale attending the school.
"My wife was a substitute teacher back in 2004 when Audrey was in the second grade," Bachmann said.
All too familiar with the church, school and community, he says this hits too close to home.
"It's been a little bit since my time there; it could have been my son he went to school there [in] second, third grade, and I know that hallway, and I know that office suite," Bachmann said.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — A day after six people were shot and killed Monday morning at the Covenant School in Green Hills, Nashvillians are still recovering from and processing the tragedy.
Body camera footage released Tuesday showed the moment Metro Nashville Police arrived at the school after receiving the first call around 10:13 a.m. The 28-year-old shooter, identified as Audrey Hale, was shot and killed by police after opening fire on the second floor.
A makeshift memorial has continued to grow after neighbors began making their way to the scene Monday night to leave flowers and trinkets in honor of the six victims.
Witnessing community violence and death can be a traumatic experience, and it's not uncommon for communities as a whole to experience grief or anger, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
Feelings such as overwhelming anxiety, trouble sleeping, and other depression-like symptoms are common responses to incidents of mass violence, and SAMHSA said children can be particularly vulnerable.
(Photo: WKRN)
Other signs of emotional distress related to incidents of mass violence may include:
Feeling numb or like nothing matters
Feeling helpless or hopeless
Worrying a lot of the time; feeling guilty but not sure why
Feeling like you have to keep busy
Excessive smoking, drinking, or using drugs (including prescription medication)
However, there are several resources available to help victims, their families and the community cope with grief. Below are some resources complied by the U.S. Department of Justice Office for Victims of Crime that may be helpful following the Covenant School shooting.
Victim helplines
VictimConnect
VictimConnect is an OVC-funded service that offers confidential assistance to victims of crime. Trained specialists are available to help callers access mental health counseling, legal services, and more. VictimConnect staff can be reached from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. eastern time at:
The Disaster Distress Helpline, funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, is a national hotline dedicated to providing year-round disaster crisis counseling.
This 24/7 toll free, multilingual, crisis support service is available to residents in the United States and its territories who are experiencing emotional distress related to natural or human-caused disasters, including incidents of mass violence. Call or text the hotline at 800-985-5990.
Resources to help children
National Child Traumatic Stress Network
The National Child Traumatic Stress Network provides a series of resources that may assist parents, school personnel, pediatric care providers, and others when speaking with children, including:
The NCTSN also has resources for responders on Psychological First Aid. Psychological First Aid is an early intervention to support children, adolescents, adults, and families impacted by these types of events.
Additional resources for victims, families and the community
Transcend Mobile App
Funded by OVC, this National Mass Violence Victimization Resource Center mobile app provides resources and information about common reactions to mass violence and strategies for recovery.
Users can access tools and activities on calming the body, managing distressing thoughts, maintaining healthy activity, coping with loss, and helping others. A “Get Help” feature offers contact information for crisis hotlines and other support services.
To learn more or download the Transcend Mobile App, click here.
National Mass Violence Victimization Resource Center
The National Mass Violence Victimization Resource Center also has a page providing self-help for survivors. It addresses common trauma reactions, coping tips, guides for parents and caregivers, and other support.
For a full list of available resources or to find out more information, click here.
(The Hill) – President Biden on Monday called the latest school shooting, which left at least three children dead in Nashville, “sick” and lamented that such a tragedy was “a family’s worst nightmare.”
“We have to do more to stop gun violence. It’s ripping our communities apart. It’s ripping at the very soul of the nation. We have to do more to protect our schools so they aren't turned into prisons,” Biden said in remarks at the start of a women’s business summit.
At least three children and three staff members were killed after a shooting at a private school in Nashville that serves preschool through 6th grade, authorities said. A police spokesperson identified the shooter as a 28-year-old female assailant carrying two assault-style rifles and a handgun.
Biden was briefed on the shooting, and the White House has been in touch with the Department of Justice and local officials.
The president called the school shooting “sick,” “heartbreaking” and “a family’s worst nightmare.”
Noting the weapons the assailant was said to be carrying, Biden reiterated his call for Congress to pass an assault weapons ban.
“It’s about time that we begin to make some more progress,” Biden said, adding that his administration would continue to monitor the situation as more details emerge.
First lady Jill Biden, who teaches at a Northern Virginia community college, also addressed the shooting at the top of remarks earlier in the day to a conference of city leaders.
"I am truly without words. Our children deserve better. We stand, all of us, we stand with Nashville in prayer,” the first lady said.
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre earlier Monday pointed to the passage of a bipartisan gun law last year and executive orders issued by Biden seeking to crack down on gun trafficking and to enhance background checks as examples of how the administration has sought to address the scourge of gun violence.
“How many more children have to be murdered before Republicans in Congress step up and act to pass the assault weapons ban. to close loopholes in our background checks, or to require the safe storage of guns?” Jean-Pierre said.
Jean-Pierre did not say whether the White House has had any recent conversations with Republicans on the issue, but she said Biden would remain optimistic that the government can take action to counter the cycle of mass shootings.
In almost every instance of mass shootings that have occurred during his first two years as president, Biden has called on Congress to enact a ban on assault weapons that he helped author while he was a senator in the 1990s.
The White House has pointed to the passage of a bipartisan gun law last year and executive orders issued by Biden seeking to crack down on gun trafficking and to enhance background checks.
Biden signed the background check order earlier this month during a visit to Monterey Park in California, where a gunman last year killed 11 people during Lunar New Year celebrations.
But administration officials and some advocates have acknowledged there is a limit to how much Biden can do unilaterally, shifting the focus to Congress to enact tougher gun laws.
Any significant reforms are unlikely to pass during the current session, with Republicans holding a narrow majority in the House and Democrats holding a slim majority in the Senate.
Three students, three staff members, and the shooter are confirmed dead.
According to Metro Nashville Police Department Spokesman Don Aaron, the shooter was a young woman in her late 20s who was armed with at least two assault-style rifles and a handgun.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — Metro Councilmember Sean Parker announced a planned joint meeting for the East Bank Stadium Committee and for the Budget and Finance Committee will not happen in light of the school shooting this morning in Green Hills.
"In light of today's tragic and devastating shooting at The Covenant School, this afternoon's Special Joint Meeting of the Budget and Finance Committee and the East Bank Stadium Committee is canceled," Parker said in an announcement.
"Please take care of your communities, your families, and yourselves," he said.
Finance Director Kelly Flannery was set to present a financing plan regarding the proposed new Tennessee Titans stadium at 4:30 p.m. this afternoon.
RUTHERFORD COUNTY, Tenn. (WKRN) -- Members of multiple law enforcement agencies are trying to track down an inmate from the Rutherford County Adult Detention Center who reportedly walked away from a Murfreesboro work detail on Friday.
According to the Rutherford County Sheriff's Office, Matthew Kennamer, 41, of Murfreesboro, was last seen around 1:15 p.m. on Friday, March 24, working on lawn care at the detention center grounds in the 900 block of New Salem Highway.
Matthew Kennamer (Source: Rutherford County Sheriff's Office)
Officials said Rutherford County deputies, Murfreesboro police officers, Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) troopers, and Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) officers are searching the area, with the help of a drone and a THP helicopter.
“We don’t feel like the public is in danger,” Rutherford County Sheriff Mike Fitzhugh said.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — When Gov. Bill Lee announced a bill to increase teacher pay in the next few years, lawmakers met it with raucous applause.
But now, a caveat to that bill has some pulling that back.
“It’s not efficient, it’s not good government,” said Rep. John Ray Clemmons (D-Nashville).
The bill would increase teacher pay to a $50,000 minimum by the 2026 school year.
But at the bottom, it reads, "An LEA shall not deduct dues from the wages of the LEA’s employees for a professional employees' organization."
In other words, a union can’t automatically deduct dues from a member’s paycheck.
It’s not a huge change, but Democrats see it as another roadblock to preventing organization, as some people may be discouraged from taking money from their actual bank account.
“I think it’s pretty offensive that the governor wants to play politics with teacher pay raises,” Clemmons said. “Let’s call it what it is, it’s a poison pill on a pay raise bill.”
The "poison pill" Clemmons is referring to is a legal strategy. It can be applied to a wide variety of situations, but it generally refers to one where a company makes itself look unattractive when it’s undergoing a potential buyout.
It’s a little different in this instance, but Clemmons essentially is pointing out that the bill is "poison" for Democrats. They either vote against unions or teacher pay increases, both of which they agree with.
“[Lee’s] trying to do it just to play political games and put Democrats in a tough position to try to get us to vote against a teacher pay raise,” Clemmons said. “That’s pretty lame.”
Republicans point out union members would still be able to pay dues, it just couldn't be pulled out by the union itself if this bill passes.
“The governor’s office thinks that our local school districts shouldn’t be responsible for facilitating that deduction,” said Senate Majority Leader Jack Johnson (R-Franklin). “Certainly, those who wish to be a member of a professional organization or union can set that up on automatic draft from their bank account.”
But Democrats wonder why not apply this to other industries, like law enforcement, as opposed to attaching it solely to teacher pay increases?
“[Lee’s] done everything he possibly can to decimate our public schools and undermine the entire teaching profession,” Clemmons said. “This is just the next step.”
Separately, another bill to force all union votes statewide, not just related to education, to be a secret ballot passed the House and heads to the Senate floor Monday.
Republicans argue it decreases intimidation while Democrats say it decreases transparency and is another attempt to quash union creation.
News 2 asked both parties if Tennessee is trying to become an anti-union state.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — Four people were added to Nashville's "Top 10 Most Wanted" list this week, including a man accused of murder and another man authorities believe tried to kill someone.
Many of them have outstanding warrants for crimes like homicide and child sexual abuse. Others added to the list this week are accused of crimes such as aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and aggravated assault by strangulation.
Most cases featured on the list are very fresh, but some date back as far as 2020. It's been an effective tool for the MNPD, which has made several arrests since the Criminal Warrants Division began publishing the “Top 10 Most Wanted” list in mid-October 2022.
A man wanted for his alleged role in a deadly drunk driving crash was arrested in January, ending an over two-year manhunt. In total, at least 19 suspects in violent or serious crimes have been arrested since mid-October.
Below is a full list of the suspects who made the list the week of March 22.
1. Kendrick L. Williams
Kendrick L. Williams (Courtesy: Metro Nashville Police Department)
At number one, Kendrick Williams, 20, is considered this week’s “Top Most Wanted” fugitive, according to the MNPD.
This is the first time Williams has appeared on the "Most Wanted" list. Police said Williams has outstanding warrants for first-degree murder, premeditated first-degree murder and especially aggravated robbery.
Shannon was taken to the hospital where he was later pronounced dead. Brandon Waire, 20, was arrested that day for homicide and aggravated robbery as police were investigating a potential drug motive.
However, multiple other people are thought to be involved in the incident, including a woman who sped off in a silver Hyundai following the gunfire and a 16-year-old who police said had a pistol believed to be the murder weapon.
Williams is also believed to have played a role in the incident. However, authorities have not been able to locate him.
Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to contact the MNPD at 615-862-8600 or Crime Stoppers at 615-742-7463.
2. William Hall Judice
William Hall Judice (Courtesy: Metro Nashville Police Department)
William Hall Judice, 32, who appeared at number one on the list last week, has outstanding warrants for rape and three counts of aggravated assault with bodily injury, according to police. He was last seen in West Nashville.
3. De’Tynn Q Smith
De’Tynn Q Smith (Courtesy: Metro Nashville Police Department)
De’Tynn Smith, 19, is believed to be the third and final suspect in the April 2022 murder of 39-year-old Tywane Miller. The incident happened in the parking lot of a soon to open 7-Eleven gas station near the intersection of Maxwell and Gallatin Avenues.
Initial reports from police indicated that Miller was shot and killed by at least one person who got out of a white Ford Flex. Miller died at the scene and a passenger in his car suffered non-life-threatening injuries.
After the shooting, an officer reportedly saw the Flex on Shelby Avenue at I-24. The officer pursued the vehicle as it sped off, but eventually ended the pursuit because of the potential danger to other drivers.
The Flex then got onto I-40 and hit the center retaining wall and four other cars before coming to a stop on the interstate between Fesslers Lane and Elm Hill Pike.
Three occupants, including one believed to be Miller, then got out of the Flex and carjacked a 35-year-old Nashville man who was driving a 2013 Subaru Forester SUV, according to police. The Subaru was later found abandoned in a Bordeaux neighborhood.
On March 1, MNPD detectives arrested one of the suspects, Deshawn L. Smith, 31, on a first-degree murder and aggravated robbery indictment. Another suspect, Michael Clay, 31, was charged last September.
Smith is wanted on a grand jury indictment charging him with first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, aggravated robbery and possession of a gun during the commission of a felony, according to the MNPD.
4. Jamion Wynn
Jamion Wynn (Courtesy: Metro Nashville Police Department)
Jamion Wynn, 28, is wanted on an outstanding warrant for first-degree murder dating back to February 2022, as well as a warrant for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.
He was previously featured at number one on the list for three weeks in a row. Wynn’s last location is unknown.
5. Glenwan L. Hobson Jr.
Glenwan L. Hobson Jr. (Courtesy: Metro Nashville Police Department)
According to the MNPD, Glenwan Latroy Hobson Jr., 26, is wanted for criminal homicide, two counts of reckless endangerment, aggravated assault and a weapon violation.
Hobson has been featured on the “Most Wanted” list several times since November last year. He was last seen in North Nashville.
6. Thomas H. Beach
Thomas H. Beach (Courtesy: Metro Nashville Police Department)
Thomas Beach, 37, is another new addition to the list this week. He is wanted on 10 outstanding warrants, according to police.
The charges against Beach include three counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, aggravated assault by strangulation, four counts of domestic assault with fear of bodily injury, harassment and vandalism $1,000 or less.
His last location is unknown.
7. Jenico M. Buggs
Jenico M. Buggs (Courtesy: Metro Nashville Police Department)
Jenico Buggs, 34, who is also a new addition to the list, is wanted by the MNPD on an outstanding warrant for attempted criminal homicide. He was last seen in Hermitage.
8. Aury Newsom
Aury Newsom (Courtesy: Metro Nashville Police Department)
Aury Newsom, 23, is wanted on outstanding warrants for aggravated child endangerment, reckless endangerment, eight counts of burglary, aggravated assault and vandalism, according to police. His last location is unknown.
9. Darius L. Witherspoon
Darius L. Witherspoon (Courtesy: Metro Nashville Police Department)
Darius Witherspoon, 36, is the fourth new addition to the list this week. He is wanted by the MNPD for four counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, evading arrest, reckless endangerment and vandalism. He was last seen in North Nashville.
10. David Gallardo Sanchez
David Sanchez (Courtesy: Metro Nashville Police Department)
David Gallardo Sanchez, 25, is wanted for two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, according to the MNPD. He was last seen in Midtown.
Anyone with information on any of the suspects listed is asked to contact the MNPD at 615-862-8600 or Crime Stoppers at 615-742-7463.
