A tragic shooting unfolded Wednesday morning at Antioch High School in Nashville, Tennessee, claiming the life of a 16-year-old student and leaving another student wounded. The shooter, a 17-year-old male student, ended his own life shortly after the attack, authorities confirmed.
Timeline of events
The shooting began shortly after 11 a.m. CT when the suspect entered the school cafeteria and fired multiple shots, according to Nashville Police Chief John Drake.
- Victims identified: Josselin Corea Escalante, 16, was killed, and a 17-year-old male student suffered a graze wound to the arm. Another male student sustained a facial injury from a fall during the chaos.
- Shooter’s actions: Police said the shooter arrived at school on the bus and likely retrieved a pistol from the bathroom before targeting the female victim.
“He entered into the cafeteria firing multiple rounds, striking her … before pulling the weapon on himself,” Drake said during a news conference.
Students describe the chaos
Witnesses recounted the horrifying moments as gunfire erupted. One student shared his experience of hiding behind garbage cans and helping classmates escape.
“I saw people getting shot, on the ground, bleeding and stuff,” the student told local media. “Me and my friends and everybody in the back, we all ran out the side door crouching down.”
The student expressed deep grief after witnessing the violence. “I saw people shot in front of my face. It was pain and grief everywhere.”
Questions about safety measures
Nashville Metro Schools Director Adrienne Battle addressed concerns over the school’s security protocols.
“We’ve implemented a range of safety measures over the years, including having a school resource officer,” Battle said. “We will continue to explore technologies and strategies to strengthen school safety.”
Currently, Antioch High School conducts student searches but does not have stationary metal detectors, a point of contention raised by parents and students alike.
Community response and investigations
Parents were bused to Ascension Saint Thomas Hospital to reunite with their children. One parent, reflecting on the tragedy, said, “I’m sad for whoever is trying to contact their child, who said, ‘I love you, have a good day,’ and their child is not answering the phone.”
The school will remain closed for the rest of the week as authorities, including the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and Homeland Security agents, conduct their investigation.
Government and law enforcement react
Tennessee Governor Bill Lee offered condolences and commended first responders for their swift actions. “I join Tennesseans in praying for the victims, their families, and the school community,” he said in a statement.
Law enforcement is now reviewing evidence, including the shooter’s possible internet activity, to uncover a motive.
This tragedy marks another somber reminder of the importance of proactive measures to ensure school safety and prevent such devastating incidents.
