Investigation into high school shooting suspect’s worrying online posts by Nashville police

A recent report reveals that online writings associated with the gunman at Antioch High School in Nashville, Tennessee, contain racist and antisemitic material, pictures of a handgun, and expressions of admiration for mass murderers. 

Authorities at the local, state, and federal levels are carefully reviewing these writings to understand why a 17-year-old student opened fire at his high school in the Nashville area, resulting in the tragic death of 16-year-old Joseelin Corea Escalante and injuring a 17-year-old boy before ultimately taking his own life. 

“Detectives from the Homicide Unit, in collaboration with various law enforcement agencies including the Metro Nashville Police Department and federal/state entities, are currently analyzing disturbing online content and social media posts attributed to [the teenager] to uncover the motive behind the violent incident at Antioch High School’s cafeteria,” stated the Metro Nashville Police Department (MNPD). 

“The investigation to this point has not established a connection between [the teen] and the two shooting victims. It may be that they were struck by his random gunfire in the cafeteria,” police added. 

A student and a family member walk away from Antioch High School following the shooting. (AP/George Walker IV)

The online streaming platform Kick said the attack was “partially livestreamed” and it has “rapidly banned the account and removed the video.” 

“Violence has no place on KICK. We are actively working with law enforcement and taking all appropriate steps to support their investigation,” it said in a statement. 

The MNPD said two school resource officers assigned to Antioch High School were in another part of a building when the shots rang out. 

“They rushed to the cafeteria and arrived just after [the teen] killed himself,” police added. 

The shooting inside Antioch High School left two dead, including the attacker. (AP/George Walker IV)

“On behalf of this entire police department, I extend our deep condolences to Antioch High students, parents, and staff,” Chief John Drake said in a statement. “Our officers and counselors will work to be part of the healing process in the days and weeks ahead.” 

Fox News’ Christina Shaw and Greg Wehner contributed to this report.