Republican Sens. Marsha Blackburn and Bill Hagerty have introduced a resolution to honor the victims lost during Monday's mass shooting at a Christian school in Nashville. It has been passed by the U.S. Senate.
The resolution recognizes "strength and resilience" of The Covenant School while remembering the six people who died. It also nods the first responders who rushed to the scene and quickly stopped the shooter.
Evelyn Dieckhaus, Hallie Scruggs, William Kinney — all age 9 — Cynthia Peak, age 61, Katherine Koonce, age 60, and Mike Hill, age 61 died Monday when a gunman opened fire at the school in Green Hills.
"My heart is broken over the unspeakable evil that occurred Monday at The Covenant School in Nashville, and my family and I are grieving along with those who lost loved ones," Blackburn said in a statement. "Now is a time for our community to come together in prayer and lift one another up."
Rex Englebert and Michael Collazo, the two police officers who shot and killed the 28-year-old transgender shooter, have been commemorated for their heroic action by the Uvalde Foundation.
Leaders say the resolution would do the following:
- Honors the memories of the victims of the senseless and cowardly attack at The Covenant School on March 27, 2023, and offers heartfelt condolences and deepest sympathies to the families, loved ones, friends, and church family of the victims;
- Recognizes the strength and resilience of The Covenant School community, the City of Nashville, and the state of Tennessee;
- Expresses deep gratitude to the first responders, including police officers, emergency medical personnel, fire department officials, and state and federal agents and officers, including Nashville Police Chief John Drake, whose incredible bravery prevented the loss of additional life; and
- Applauds the heroism displayed by the officers, including Officers Rex Engelbert and Michael Collazo, who willingly ran toward danger, putting their lives on the line to save others.
Read full statements from the Tennessee senators below:
Sen. Marsha Blackburn:
My heart is broken over the unspeakable evil that occurred Monday at The Covenant School in Nashville, and my family and I are grieving along with those who lost loved ones. Now is a time for our community to come together in prayer and lift one another up. We must remember the joy these victims brought into the world and honor those who confronted evil. We join the entire nation in commending the brave police officers who willingly ran toward danger without hesitation, putting their lives on the line to save others. They showed true professionalism, courage, and selflessness—the very definition of heroism. As Nashville grieves and navigates the difficult days ahead, may we come together to cover our community in prayer, love, and support.
Sen. Bill Hagerty:
This week, the Covenant School community, the city of Nashville, and our home state of Tennessee suffered a depraved act of evil resulting in heartbreaking devastation and unspeakable loss,” said Senator Hagerty. “We mourn with the victims’ families and Covenant School community, who are enduring unimaginable grief. We applaud the incredible bravery of the law enforcement officers and first responders who ran toward danger without hesitation, willingly putting their lives on the line to save the lives of others. And we honor the precious lives taken, whose memories will be enshrined indelibly in our hearts.