Metro Nashville Police say they will not be releasing documents related to the Covenant School shooting anytime soon, as gun rights groups and Republican politicians call for their release.
Metro Law filed Wednesday to delay the initial hearing in two lawsuits which seek to make public the assailant’s writings. The filing argues that the current timeline is not feasible because MNPD has not had the opportunity to conduct interviews and review all the documents it’s gathered. Some parents from the Covenant School have told MNPD that they don’t want the assailant’s writings released.
“We believe family members of the victims should have the opportunity to present any concerns or objections to the Court at that time,” Metro Law Director Wally Dietz said in a statement.
Dietz says that some of those writings will eventually be made public. Metro plans to release a redacted version of the journal found in the assailant’s car in the parking lot at the Covenant School.
Gov. Bill Lee has been vocal about his support for the release of the documents. Lee previously tweeted, saying that Metro Police Chief John Drake had assured him that MNPD would release the documents soon.
The Covenant shooting was a tragedy beyond comprehension, & Tennesseans need clarity.
We’ve been in touch with the Nashville Police Department, & today, Chief Drake assured me that documents & information regarding the shooter will be released to the public very soon.
— Gov. Bill Lee (@GovBillLee) April 28, 2023
Three lawsuits have been filed for the release of the documents. MNPD is a defendant in two of those cases, filed by the Tennessee Firearms Association, a retired sheriff from Chattanooga and the National Police Association.
On Air - 90.3 WPLN-FM