New details have come to light about the firearm used by the High School student who walked into the Antioch High School Cafeteria before opening fire, killing one student and injuring another, before turning the gun on himself, authorities say.
Speaking at a press conference, Metropolitan Nashville Police Department spokesperson Don Aaron, confirmed that the 17-year-old African-American male was armed with a pistol when he began firing shots in the cafeteria, hitting two students.
He then shot himself in the head. While two school resource officers were present on campus during the shooting, neither was in the immediate vicinity of the cafeteria at the time of the attack.
In a statement, Freda Player, chair of Metro Nashville Board of Education, said the board was "committed to ensuring that all those affected by this tragedy receive the care and support they need." Player added that MNPS is working tirelessly to provide resourced to help out students, staff and families.
"We will continue to stand united in addressing the challenges we face and fostering environments where every student and educator feels secure and supported," the statement read.
As law enforcement continues to investigate the incident, Antioch High School remains on lockdown while Tennessee State Troopers, state Homeland Security Special Agents and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation continue to assist in the investigation.
