A 17-year-old male student opened fire at Antioch High School in Nashville Wednesday, fatally wounding a female student before turning the gun on himself.
Two other individuals sustained injuries and were transported to Vanderbilt University Medical Center for treatment, the Associated Press reported.
The shooting took place in the school’s cafeteria shortly after 11 a.m., prompting an immediate lockdown of the school.
Approximately 2,000 students were present at the time. Metro Nashville Police Department officers, along with two school resource officers who were on-site, responded swiftly to secure the scene, CNN reported.
Authorities have confirmed that the shooter is no longer a threat, and there is no ongoing danger to the community. A reunification site was established nearby to facilitate the safe return of students to their families.
The motive behind the shooting remains under investigation. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is aware of the situation; however, the Metro Nashville Police Department is leading the investigation without requesting FBI assistance at this time.
This tragic event has deeply affected the Nashville community, coming less than two years after a previous school shooting in the area. In March 2023, 28-year-old former student Audrey Hale shot three children and three adults at the Covenant School.
Local authorities and community leaders are emphasizing the importance of mental health support and school safety measures in the wake of this incident.