Nashville school shooter is identified by police

The authorities in Nashville, Tennessee have identified the person who killed three students and three teachers at the Covenant School on Monday morning as Audrey Hale. Hale was a former student at the Christian elementary school and identified as a transgender man. Police Chief John Drake told reporters that Hale was armed with two rifles and a handgun and opened fire after using a side entrance. During the search of Hale's home, police discovered a plan of attack on the school and a manifesto, but have not shared any of its contents. Hale had no prior criminal history and two of the weapons were "obtained locally, legally." His rampage was cut short by two officers, who "went to the sounds of gunfire" and engaged the shooter on the second floor.

The school is run by the Covenant Presbyterian Church and serves children ages 6-12. Earlier this month, Tennessee banned transgender surgeries on minors and adult performances in front of children. The White House responded to the Covenant School shooting by calling for stricter gun control laws.