Witness describes police response to shooting

Local officials say they are standing with the six people killed Monday in a shooting at the Covenant School in Nashville, Tennessee.

Nashville Mayor John Cooper said in a tweet his “heart goes out to the families of the victims” and thanked officials for their response.

Rep. Andy Ogles, who represents Tennessee’s 5th Congressional District which includes the Covenant School, said he is “devastated by the tragedy,” in a statement on Twitter.

Ogles said as a father, “I am utterly heartbroken by this senseless act of violence,” according to the statement.

He said he will monitor the situation and is working with local officials.

Readers were quick to remind Ogles of a photo he posted on Facebook in Christmas 2022 when he was Mayor of Maury County that showed him and his family standing in front of a Christmas tree holding weapons, with the caption “The very atmosphere of firearms anywhere and everywhere restrains evil interference – they deserve a place of honor with all that’s good.”

Sen. Marsha Blackburn, who represents parts of Nashville and West Tennessee, also tweeted that her office is in contact with officials at all levels.