NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — Metro Nashville Public Schools (MNPS) is adopting new strategies to ensure students feel safe when returning to Antioch High School after Wednesday’s deadly shooting.
Shortly before 11:15 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 22, the Metro Nashville Police Department said 17-year-old Solomon Henderson fired shots inside the school’s cafeteria, killing 16-year-old Josselin Corea Escalante before he turned the gun on himself. Two other students were reportedly injured following the incident.
In the aftermath of the shooting, the district shut down Antioch High for the rest of the week.
According to officials, the school will stay closed on Monday, Jan. 27 so staff members can prepare classrooms, plan for the week, and “reflect as a community.” Then, on Tuesday, Jan. 28, Antioch High will open back up to students.
However, “Tuesday, through the remainder of the week, will not be a typical school day,” the district said. “Instead, Metro Nashville Public Schools will prioritize the emotional well-being of students with grief counseling, mental health supports, restorative practices, and community-building activities. We will be implementing an alternative lunch plan for students while the cafeteria remains closed for ongoing repairs and reimagining of the space.”
MNPS said Antioch High will also pilot a new Evolv weapon detection system called, which is on temporary loan to the school through System Integrations. This technology is used by other schools and major venues, including Nissan Stadium, to increase safety with minimal disruptions.
According to officials, the Evolv system uses advanced sensors and artificial intelligence to detect weapons. Unlike metal detectors, though, this technology allows students to walk through without removing all of their personal items, allowing for a quick entry process.
“This pilot program demonstrates our unwavering commitment to safety and security,” said MNPS Superintendent Dr. Adrienne Battle. “Antioch High will serve as a critical testing ground for this advanced technology, allowing us to assess its effectiveness as we explore funding opportunities to expand its use across more schools. We look forward to learning valuable lessons from this pilot program to guide future decisions on expanding this technology to ensure safety across all of our schools.”
MNPS said students should only bring essential items when returning to the classroom on Tuesday. If an item is flagged by the Evolv system, secondary screening will be required as a precaution.
The district said more updates on safety protocols and resources will be shared in the coming days, adding that it “remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting the Antioch High School community during this challenging time.”
Following Wednesday’s shooting, city officials not only established the Nashville School Violence Support and Healing Fund to help those who were injured, their families, and faculty and students experiencing emotional trauma, but they also set up an online list of resources available to Nashvillians impacted by the incident.
