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Sandy Hook Promise Statement on the Warning Signs that Preceded Nashville School Shooting

NEWTOWN, Conn. – Several warning signs have emerged as investigators learn more about the circumstances surrounding a school shooting that took place at Antioch High School in Nashville, Tennessee yesterday. One student was killed, and another was injured by a 17-year-old attacker who opened fire in the school cafeteria before fatally shooting himself.

Warning signs are a common thread in the days and weeks before a school shooting. When they manifest, the ability to identify them and get help is one of the best opportunities to intervene and prevent an attack. In 4 out of 5 school shootings, at least one other person had knowledge of the attacker’s plan but failed to report it.

In the case of the Antioch High School shooting, investigators have stated the suspect’s online activity leading up to the shooting was “very concerning.” It contained violent, racist, and antisemitic content. Additionally, the suspect’s writings included “detailed plans for the shooting” and their reasons for committing the attack. Documents and social media linked to the shooter praised Adolf Hitler and contained neo-Nazi symbology.

Authorities have also stated the shooter partially livestreamed the attack on multiple streaming platforms and displayed a firearm shortly before the shooting.

In response, Mark Barden, co-founder and co-CEO of Sandy Hook Promise, former Nashville resident, and father of Daniel who was killed in the Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy, issued the following statement: 

“Yesterday’s attacker, like most others throughout history, displayed several behaviors that stood out as serious and problematic. But, when you don’t know what to look for, signs like these can be easily dismissed, not taken seriously, or overlooked. That’s why it’s so essential that we continue to teach all youth and adults how to recognize these signs and get help. Lives can be saved and help can be provided to a person who may be in crisis.

“We are grateful to law enforcement for their investigation into the shooter’s online habits. We know that via social media, young people are not only exposed to incredibly violent and disturbing content, but they’re also being directly targeted by firearms manufacturers who are exploiting young audiences for profit. Adolescent minds are easily influenced and particularly vulnerable to this type of violent content, which contributes to negative outcomes like firearm deaths and mass shootings. Apparently, the online communities frequented by the shooter taught him to devalue his own life and the lives of others – something no child should ever be taught.

“We encourage further investigation as to how this young suspect obtained the firearm used in the attack. Keeping guns out of the hands of children and teens is paramount to safety. Currently, Tennessee lacks legislation regarding the secure storage of lethal means, as well as temporary transfer legislation for when a legally permitted owner is experiencing a crisis. Policies like these are proven to save lives while also protecting our children and Constitutional rights.”

As of 2022, the most recent year with finalized data from the CDC, firearms were the leading cause of death among children and teens ages 1-17 in the state of Tennessee. For more information on proven violence prevention programs and policies, as well as information about how everyone can take action to prevent gun violence, please visit sandyhookpromise.org.

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Sandy Hook Promise (SHP) envisions a future where all children are free from school shootings and other acts of violence. As a national nonprofit organization, SHP’s mission is to educate and empower youth and adults to prevent violence in schools, homes, and communities. Creators of the life-saving, evidence-informed “Know the Signs” prevention programs, SHP teaches the warning signs of someone who may be in crisis, socially isolated, or at-risk of hurting themselves or others and how to get help. SHP also advances school safety, youth mental health, and responsible gun ownership at the state and federal levels through nonpartisan policy and partnerships. SHP is led by several family members whose loved ones were killed in the tragic mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School on December 14, 2012. 

Media Contact:

Nick Dmitrovich | [email protected] | 203-304-9780 Ext. 279