NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The investigation into a tragic shooting at a Nashville high school, where a student shot a classmate before taking his own life, has largely revolved around the online writings of the suspect. Authorities have identified numerous pages posted on social media that showcase alarming warning signs, including racist views and plans for the attack.
Solomon Henderson, a 17-year-old Black student at Antioch High School, fatally shot 16-year-old Josselin Corea Escalante, a Hispanic student, in the cafeteria of the school on Wednesday before turning the gun on himself. This incident has reignited concerns about school safety in Tennessee, which still grapples with the aftermath of a school shooting that occurred nearly two years prior, where six individuals, including three children, lost their lives in a private elementary school shooting.
Following the incident, anti-hate analysts quickly linked the writings to Henderson, asserting they contained advocacy for violence, expressions of shame regarding his race, and admiration for well-known shooters. The writings also involved plans for the attack on the school, though there was no mention of specific targets. Authorities disclosed that they are also examining a separate 288-page document tied to the case.
The Anti-Defamation League’s Center on Extremism released an analysis of the shorter document, confirming its apparent authenticity after cross-referencing its contents with social media profiles that are believed to belong to Henderson. Jared Holt, a research analyst focused on hate and extremism, commented that it is uncommon for white supremacist groups to attract individuals of color, labeling this case as particularly extreme based on his research.
While details of Henderson’s writings remain scarce, law enforcement has shared that he unleashed ten shots from a 9 mm pistol within a mere 17 seconds after entering the cafeteria. When authorities recovered the firearm, they noted it was still loaded with nine rounds. The weapon was purchased by someone in Arizona in 2022 and hasn’t been reported as stolen, although the investigation into its origins continues.
In a notable contrast to the ongoing legal disputes regarding the Covenant School shooting incident from earlier this year, where parents of students have been fighting to prevent the release of the shooter’s writings, Henderson’s online activities are under full scrutiny. Investigators are still trying to ascertain whether Henderson had any prior connection to his victim, speculating that the gunfire might have been indiscriminate.
A student who was grazed by a bullet during the incident received treatment and was released from the hospital, while another student was treated for facial injuries sustained during a fall in the chaos.
The Nashville school district has faced scrutiny regarding their security protocols, especially a new technology designed to utilize school cameras and AI to detect weapons, which failed to activate during the shooting. Superintendent Adrienne Battle acknowledged the mixed views on metal detectors, stating that all options remain on the table going forward. Communication Chief for Metro Nashville Public Schools, Sean Braisted, explained that the shooter’s location did not give an accurate read to trigger the alarm.
In a separate context, another incident occurred at Antioch High School last October when a 16-year-old student was arrested after taking a loaded gun to school. A similar arrest also happened at McGavock High School just hours after the Antioch incident, where an 18-year-old student was found with a handgun in his backpack during a basketball game.
The political climate around gun control in Tennessee remains unchanged. GOP lawmakers, with a strong hold on the state legislature, have largely resisted calls for gun control measures, despite mounting pressure from families and advocates due to the Covenant School shooting. Instead, there has been a push for heightened security in schools, including initiatives allowing select teachers and staff to carry concealed firearms on school properties without notifying parents or other educators.
Antioch, situated about 10 miles southeast of Nashville’s downtown, has witnessed several significant shootings over the years, including a 2017 church shooting that resulted in one death and seven injuries, and a 2018 attack at a Waffle House that claimed four lives.
In an emotional interview with a local Spanish-language news outlet, German Corea, father of the slain Josselin, recounted the disturbing moments following the shooting, revealing that he was informed his daughter was unconscious and had lost her life by the time she was taken to the hospital. He shared that she had aspirations of becoming a doctor and was in the process of learning to drive, expressing profound grief over the loss of his joyful daughter.
“We’re carrying her smile in our hearts,” he expressed, recalling her happiness and the close bond they shared.
