Tennessee lawmakers pause floor debates after Covenant school shooting

Melissa Brown, Nashville Tennessean
·2 min read

Tennessee lawmakers will not debate legislation at regularly scheduled Monday night sessions in light of the deadly Covenant School shooting, one of the deadliest in the state's history.

Three children and three adults were shot and killed by a 28-year-old female shooter before responding police fatally shot the shooter on the school's second floor.

"No harm should ever come to any child. At some point today, please take a moment to pray for the families impacted by this tragedy," House Speaker Cameron Sexton, R-Crossville, said in a statement. "As we continue learning more details, we appreciate law enforcement and first responders for their quick response neutralizing the threat."

Sexton said the House will briefly meet on Monday night but all legislation on the night's calendar will be moved to a later date.

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The Tennessee Senate has similarly called off floor debates for Monday evening.

Nashville Democrats on Monday decried the shooting and called for action

“This is an unimaginable tragedy for the victims, all the children, families, teachers, staff and my entire community," Rep. Bob Freeman, D-Nashville, said in a statement. "I have friends who attend both church and school there. I have also visited the church in the past. It tears my heart apart to see this. I’m praying for my neighborhood, my city and my state. It is time to pull together and provide all the love and support that we can to those affected by this terrible catastrophe. It is time for serious action.”

Authorities on Monday said they believe the shooter gained access to the private Christian school through a side entrance, and responding police followed the sound of gunfire upstairs before shooting her.

Neither the victims nor the shooter have been publicly identified.

'This is shattering':Nashville, TN officials respond to elementary school shooting

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Tenn. lawmakers pause debates after Nashville Covenant School shooting

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