Lawmakers react to Antioch High School shooting

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — Two people are dead and another injured in a shooting at Antioch High School, and local, state, and federal lawmakers are reacting to the tragedy.

According to the Metro Nashville Police Department (MNPD), a 17-year-old male student shot two other students before turning the gun on himself. Police said the shooter died, and officials with Vanderbilt University Medical Center confirmed one female student brought in with injuries died as well.

The school, located on Hobson Pike, has 1,941 students and 118 teachers inside each day, according to Metro Nashville Public Schools.

Gov. Bill Lee

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. As we await more information, I join Tennesseans in praying for the victims, their families & the school community.

Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell

“Per MNPD, a shooting incident is under investigation at Antioch High School. There are multiple victims, including the suspect. A reunification site for parents is 3754 Murfreesboro Pk. Buses will be taking students there. This is a heartbreaking moment for the families, the school, and the city.”

State Sen. Charlane Oliver

“My heart is broken over the devastating shooting at Antioch High School today. As a mother and a representative of this community, I grieve with the families, students, and staff who are enduring this unimaginable tragedy. My heart goes out to the victims who were shot, their loved ones, and everyone impacted by this horrific act of violence. No child should ever feel unsafe in their school, and no family should face the anguish of such a senseless loss.

“I am in contact with local officials, law enforcement, and school leadership to offer my full support and ensure our community has the resources needed to heal. My senate office stands ready to assist families, students, and educators with navigating this crises and will do everything in my power to push for meaningful legislative changes to prevent senseless acts of gun violence.”

State Sen. Jeff Yarbro

“Tragic news in Antioch today. High school kids really ought to be able to go to the cafeteria without fear of being shot. We’re praying for the victims and the entire community, but we clearly should start doing the work needed to keep kids safe.”

State Rep. Justin Jones

“There are no words adequate to describe the horror and heartbreak of the school shooting that took place today at Antioch High School. No child should be scared to go to school, eat in the cafeteria, or enjoy time with friends because of the omnipresent threat of gun violence.

“The fear reverberating around the Antioch and Nashville communities today is a chilling reminder of the human cost of political inaction and the senseless tragedy of gun violence perpetuated by leaders who have prioritized firearms and the profits of the gun industry over the live of our students. I warned my Republican colleagues after the Covenant School shooting that their inaction would lead to another preventable tragedy. Instead, the silenced the voices of children begging for their lives.

“My prayers are with the families and students whose lives are forever altered by the horrific events today, and beyond that, I renew my call to Speaker Sexton and Governor Lee to allow swift and immediate action to prevent another tragedy like this from happening again, by passing comprehensive policies to protect kids, not guns.”

State Rep. John Ray Clemmons

“Again, our community has suffered an unspeakable tragedy in a school that has detrimentally impacted innocent children and families. We are continuing to monitor this situation with the Mayor’s office, MNPD and MNPS, and we will provide more information as we receive it. In the meantime, we will be praying for the children reportedly injured and all the students of Antioch High School whose lives have been forever altered today. Our efforts will not stop at thoughts and prayers—we will continue to fight for common sense gun safety solutions that protect our children and communities from gun violence.

State Rep. Jason Zachary

“Praying for all those impacted directly and the community as a whole.”

Congressman John Rose

“My team and I are monitoring this horrific news out of Middle Tennessee. I ask all of you to join Chelsea and me in praying for these students, their families, Antioch High School teachers and staff, and all the first responders on the scene of this tragedy.”