The perpetrator of the recent fatal shooting at a Nashville school had meticulously planned the attack for months, according to a statement released by the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department on Monday. Following an examination of the shooter's writings, investigators arrived at this conclusion.
The tragic incident at The Covenant School resulted in the deaths of three adults and three children, all aged 9. Audrey Hale, a 28-year-old former student, was identified as the assailant by authorities. She was shot and killed by police during the rampage, in which she fired 152 rounds.
Police recovered the writings from Hale's vehicle in the school's parking lot and her bedroom. The Nashville police department and the FBI's Behavioral Analysis Unit are currently reviewing them. The investigation, which is still ongoing, has yet to determine a motive for the shooting. So far, it appears that Hale acted alone.
Nashville Mayor John Cooper praised the quick response by officers, stating on "CBS Mornings" that "many lives" were saved as a result. Within 14 minutes of receiving the school shooting report, officers had neutralized the assailant.
Police revealed that two officers fired less than ten rounds at Hale. Officer Rex Engelbert fired four rounds from his rifle, while Officer Michael Collazo discharged four rounds from his 9 mm pistol.
The body camera footage from the two officers captures their entry into the school last Monday, as they searched classrooms, stairwells, and hallways before engaging in a brief confrontation that ultimately took down the shooter.