On January 22, 2025, a tragic shooting occurred at Antioch High School in Nashville, Tennessee, resulting in the deaths of two students and injuries to others. The incident has left the community in shock and mourning.
The assailant has been identified as 17-year-old Solomon Henderson, an active student at Antioch High School. Described by peers as intelligent and reserved, Henderson was involved in the school's ROTC program.
Prior to the shooting, Henderson posted a series of writings online, revealing a layout of the school, images of a handgun, and his thoughts leading up to the attack. In these writings, he expressed feelings of shame about his racial identity and admiration for conservative commentator Candace Owens. He also referenced the 2023 Covenant School shooting in Nashville.
The shooting took place in the school cafeteria around 11:09 a.m. Henderson confronted 16-year-old Josselin Corea Escalante, fatally shooting her before turning the gun on himself. A male student sustained a graze wound and was treated and released from the hospital. Another student suffered a non-gunshot-related facial injury during the incident.
Authorities are actively investigating the motive behind the shooting. Metro Nashville Police Chief John Drake indicated that Henderson's online writings are a focal point of the investigation, as they provide insight into his mindset and potential premeditation. The FBI is assisting in analyzing these materials to determine any underlying factors that may have contributed to the attack.
In the aftermath of the shooting, parents and community members are calling for enhanced safety measures in schools, including the implementation of metal detectors. Metro Nashville Public Schools have stated that they will review current security protocols to identify areas for improvement. Antioch High School will remain closed for the rest of the week, with resources and grief counseling provided to students and families.
This incident marks the second school shooting in Nashville within two years, reigniting discussions on gun control and school safety in Tennessee. Despite previous calls for stricter gun laws, the state legislature has primarily focused on enhancing school security measures.
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