Police on Monday identified the person accused of opening fire at an elementary school in Nashville, Tennessee, as 28-year-old Audrey Hale.
The Metro Nashville Police Department (MNPD) confirmed on Tuesday that three adults and three children were fatally shot inside Covenant School, a private Christian school, in Nashville Monday afternoon. The violence marks the latest mass shooting in the United States, the 13th school shooting since January 1, and the 129th mass shooting of 2023, which has long grappled with gun control.
Following the shooting, many high-profile conservatives speculated the shooter may have been transgender, but others criticized the focus on Hale’s gender identity, arguing that factor is not necessarily relevantto the shooting.
Nashville Police Chief John Drake during a press conference Monday evening addressed online speculation about Hale’s gender identity.
“She does identify as transgender, yes,” Drake said.
During the press conference, a reporter asked Drake if police believe Hale’s identity was related to the crime.
“We can give you that at a later time. There is some theory to that. We’re investigating all the leads,” Drake said, adding that police are reviewing a manifesto and map related to the incident. He said police continue to probe a potential theory about the shooting but have not publicly revealed any motive.
More information about Hale’s identity was not immediately known Monday afternoon.
This is a breaking news story that will be updated when more information becomes available.
Update 03/27/22 6:18 p.m. ET: This article was updated with additional information.
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