Tragedy Strikes Antioch High School: Student Opens Fire, Killing One, Injuring Another Before Taking Own Life

In a devastating act of violence, a 17-year-old student opened fire inside the cafeteria of Antioch High School on Wednesday morning, killing one student, injuring another, and ultimately turning the weapon on himself. The incident occurred at approximately 11:09 a.m., prompting a swift lockdown of the school and leaving the community in shock.

Metro Nashville Police Spokesperson Don Aaron confirmed during a news conference that the shooter, armed with a pistol, fired multiple rounds before taking his own life. “The individual wounded two other students, one of them fatally, before shooting and killing himself,” Aaron stated.

The tragic sequence of events unfolded rapidly. According to Metro Nashville Police Chief John Drake, the shooter confronted a 16-year-old female student in the cafeteria before firing “multiple rounds,” killing her instantly. A second male student suffered a graze wound and was treated and released from the hospital, while a third student sustained a facial injury after falling during the chaos.

Harrowing Witness Accounts

Students in the cafeteria described a scene of panic and confusion. A video recorded by one student captured the sound of multiple gunshots, followed by an exclamation, “Yo, he shot himself!” The footage underscores the harrowing reality faced by those present during the attack.

Ongoing Investigation

Authorities are still determining whether the attack was targeted. Chief Drake revealed that investigators are examining “materials on the internet” as part of their probe. The shooter’s motive remains unclear at this time.

Support for the School Community

The Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools (MNPS) district has offered immediate support to those affected by the tragedy, including access to social workers and counselors. In a social media update, the district also outlined procedures for students to be picked up safely based on their transportation methods.

Responses from Leaders

Tennessee Governor Bill Lee took to social media to express his condolences and gratitude to first responders. “I’ve been briefed on the incident at Antioch High School and am grateful for law enforcement & first responders who responded quickly and continue to investigate. As we await more information, I join Tennesseans in praying for the victims, their families & the school community,” Lee wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

Meanwhile, the White House also responded, with officials confirming that President Donald Trump and his team are closely monitoring the situation. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families, and all those affected by this tragic incident,” a White House spokesperson stated.

Community Reeling

The Antioch High School community is left grappling with the aftermath of this tragedy. Parents, students, and staff are uniting to process the events and support one another in this time of mourning.

As investigations continue, the focus remains on understanding the events that led to this tragic day and ensuring the safety and well-being of the school community moving forward.

This is a developing story, and updates will follow as more information becomes available.