Nashville shooter Audrey Hale allegedly used federal pupil assist to purchase weapons for college assault
Newly launched FBI data linked to the Covenant College capturing in Nashville embody writings made by shooter Audrey Elizabeth Hale that shed additional mild on her motivations, planning and private funds.
The FBI launched greater than 100 pages of Hale’s writings following litigation, which included journal entries believed so far again to late 2021, handwritten notes outlining preparations for a faculty capturing and references to weapons Hale meant to accumulate.
A number of the writings checklist “Christian faculty (hate faith)” as a motive for focusing on the Covenant College.
Hale, 28, carried out the March 27, 2023, assault on the Christian elementary faculty she as soon as attended, killing six individuals earlier than being shot lifeless by responding Metro Nashville Police Division officers.
The victims had been recognized as faculty workers members Katherine Koonce, 60; Cynthia Peak, 61; and Mike Hill, 61; together with college students Hallie Scruggs, Evelyn Dieckhaus and William Kinney, all age 9.
Surveillance footage launched by police following the assault confirmed Hale shifting by means of the varsity armed with a number of firearms.
Authorities have stated Hale entered the constructing by means of a facet entrance and moved by means of a number of areas of the varsity earlier than being confronted by officers.
Shortly earlier than the capturing, Hale despatched a textual content message to a buddy describing the deliberate assault as a “suicide mission” and stating the buddy would seemingly “hear about me on the information after I die,” based on summaries launched by officers.
Among the many newly launched FBI supplies is a handwritten web page seen by Fox Information Digital and labeled “Account Financial savings File,” and referenced federal pupil monetary assist.
Within the entry, Hale wrote that “FAFSA [sic] grant checks began at $2,050.86,” adopted by ledger-style notes documenting funds from Nossi School of Artwork and Design in Nashville, the place Hale was enrolled on the time.
The monetary entries seem alongside intensive notes about firearms Hale deliberate to buy and use within the assault.
The Tennessee Star additionally reported these data could lend help to statements Hale’s dad and mom made to Metro Nashville Police Division detectives shortly after the capturing.
Hale’s dad and mom reportedly advised investigators in 2023 that their baby had used federal Pell Grant cash to buy the firearms used within the assault.
Hale’s mom additionally reportedly advised police that as a result of Hale was over 25 and enrolled as a pupil, parental earnings now not factored into monetary assist eligibility, permitting Hale to qualify for grant funding regardless of being unemployed.
Metro Nashville Police Chief John Drake beforehand confirmed that investigators recovered a manifesto and hand-drawn maps from Hale’s automobile after the capturing.
Whereas parts of Hale’s writings have since been launched, each metropolis police and the FBI have continued to withstand public data requests for the complete manifesto.
