Antioch High School, TN – A devastating shooting occurred Wednesday morning at Antioch High School, leaving two students dead and two others injured. Authorities have launched an intensive investigation, including a search of the shooter’s home.
Key Details from the Incident at Antioch
- Fatalities and Injuries:
Metro Nashville Police Department (MNPD) confirmed that 16-year-old Josselin Corea Escalante was fatally shot in the school cafeteria by 17-year-old Solomon Henderson, who later died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Another 17-year-old male student sustained a graze wound, while a fourth victim suffered a non-gunshot facial injury. Both injured students are being treated and are in stable condition. - Sequence of Events:
At approximately 11:09 a.m., Henderson confronted Escalante in the cafeteria and opened fire, fatally wounding her. He also injured two other students before turning the gun on himself. SWAT teams cleared the school, and MNPD confirmed there is no ongoing threat to public safety.
Response from Authorities Antioch
- Investigation Progress:
MNPD is conducting a thorough investigation, including searching Henderson’s residence. Officials are also reviewing materials circulating online that may provide insight into the motive, which remains unknown. - Emergency Protocols:
Law enforcement and school staff swiftly implemented emergency protocols. Calls to 911 were made at 11:11 a.m., prompting a mass response from police. Students were transported to a reunification site at Ascension Saint Thomas Hospital, located at 3754 Murfreesboro Pike.
Statements from Community Leaders
- Mayor Freddie O’Connell:
“We as a community will continue to rally to ensure resources are available for those affected.” The Department of Emergency has been activated to provide recovery support. - MNPS Director Dr. Adrienne Battle:
“Today, we lost students in a tragic incident that has forever changed the lives of families and the community. I commend the school staff for their quick actions, which likely prevented further harm.”
School Closure and Transportation Updates
- Antioch High School will remain closed through the end of the week, as announced by MNPS leadership.
- Buses are operating to transport students home from the reunification site or back to retrieve personal belongings once the school premises are cleared. Parents are urged to contact MNPS for further assistance.
Timeline of Updates
- 12:30 p.m.: Parents were directed to the reunification center at Ascension Saint Thomas Hospital.
- 12:55 p.m.: Vanderbilt University Medical Center confirmed one fatality and two students in stable condition.
- 2:02 p.m.: Transportation logistics for student reunification were outlined by MNPS.
- 2:40 p.m.: Police Chief John Drake confirmed details of the shooting and injuries.
- 5:00 p.m.: Police confirmed the search of the shooter’s residence as the investigation continues.
This tragic event has shaken the Antioch High School community, with families, students, and staff grappling with the aftermath. Support resources are being made available to those impacted, and authorities pledge to provide updates as the investigation unfolds.
