Antioch High School shooting: What we know about Nashville shooting that left two dead

Two students are dead and another was wounded late Wednesday morning in a shooting at Antioch High School in Nashville. The situation was still developing Wednesday afternoon, but here’s what we know so far:

How many people were shot?

Police said two students, including the shooter, died and another suffered a graze wound after shots rang out in the cafeteria of Antioch High School in Nashville at 11:09 a.m. Wednesday. Police said the shooter, a 17-year-old male, killed a 16-year-old female before turning the gun on himself. The third student was a 17-year-old male.

What’s the safety status?

Police said the situation has “been contained.” The school was bussing students to a reunification site for parents at 3754 Murfreesboro Pk. Metro Schools transportation released a full plan for returning all Antioch High students to their homes.

What do we know about the shooter?

Very little information has been released about the shooter. Police have not yet released the shooter’s name, nor the names of the victims. Witnesses have said the shooter was a junior at the school.

What are parents and students saying?

Students have described a harrowing scene that include accounts of people running away from the sound of gunshots, while parents have described anxiously awaiting calls from their children.

Brandi Lemons, an 18-year-old senior, said she was walking into the cafeteria with other students to have lunch when she heard gunshots.

Lemons said she was about to climb over a milk counter to escape when she saw the shooter walk around a corner toward her. She said he then put the gun in his mouth and pulled the trigger.

Lemons said she did not know the shooter and did not know if he was specifically targeting people.

“Right now we’re scared and confused,” she said. 

What are elected officials saying?

Gov. Bill Lee made a brief statement offering prayers for the victims and community.

“I’ve been briefed on the incident at Antioch High School and am grateful for law enforcement & first responders who responded quickly and continue to investigate,” Lee said. “As we await more information, I join Tennesseans in praying for the victims, their families & the school community.”

Sen. Jeff Yarbro, D-Nashville, said the state “clearly should start doing the work needed to keep kids safe.”

“Tragic news in Antioch today,” Yarbro wrote in a social media post. “High school kids really ought to be able to go to the cafeteria without fear of being shot.”

Mayor Freddie O’Connell posted about the shooting: “This is a heartbreaking moment for the families, the school and the city.”

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