Identification of the Shooter
Authorities have identified the 17-year-old responsible for a tragic shooting at Antioch High School in Nashville, Tennessee, on Wednesday.
The shooter, named Solomon Henderson, was a cadet in the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) and left behind a detailed manifesto that purportedly explained his reasons for the attack.
A classmate of Henderson, who chose to remain anonymous, expressed shock over his actions.
The student reflected on Henderson’s exemplary performance in the ROTC program throughout the year, noting how dedicated he was to completing his assignments.
This sense of normality around Henderson adds a layer of confusion regarding how he could engage in such a horrific act.
The Incident
Antioch High School, situated about 12 miles southeast of downtown Nashville, went into lockdown during the incident.
In the school’s cafeteria, Henderson tragically shot and killed 16-year-old Josselin Corea Escalante and wounded another male student.
According to Metro Nashville Police Chief John Drake, Henderson arrived at school via bus and later retrieved a pistol from a restroom before launching his attack.
Following the shooting, he took his own life by discharging the firearm into his head.
Chief Drake also mentioned that Henderson had been involved in a prior incident at the school, though he did not elaborate on the specifics.
Community Response and Investigation
In the aftermath, the video livestreaming platform Kick issued a statement addressing a partial livestream of the shooting.
The company confirmed that it promptly removed the footage and banned the user’s account connected to the event, while affirming its support for law enforcement’s continuous investigation.
Investigators are currently delving into Henderson’s online presence, particularly an alleged manifesto discovered on his Instagram account.
This document reportedly detailed his motivations and encompassed various topics, including race, culture, and sexuality.
The Metro Nashville Police Department indicated that the two victims of the shooting might have been selected at random, as there appears to be no direct link between Henderson and the injured students.
Additionally, it was noted that the school’s two resource officers were occupied elsewhere in the building when the incident occurred but quickly arrived at the scene following Henderson’s suicide.
Chief Drake extended his condolences to the students, families, and staff at Antioch High School, underscoring the police department’s dedication to supporting the community’s healing in the aftermath of this tragedy.
Another student, Yvelle Walden, who knew Henderson, described him as a kind and quiet individual who generally caused no trouble.
She noted his reliability in attending classes and completing his assignments, emphasizing the stark contrast between her perception of him and the events that unfolded on that fateful day.
Source: Christianpost