On the morning of Wednesday, January 22, a tragic shooting occurred at Antioch High School, resulting in the death of two students and an injury to a third. On Wednesday evening, the community gathered for a vigil to remember and honor the victim fatally wounded by another student and the families of all involved.
Mayor Freddie O'Connell shared, "First and foremost, we extend our deepest sympathies to the families of these two students and offer our full support to them moving forward. We grieve together. We heal together. And I hope we can respond together."
The following are mental health resources and the latest information on the investigation and plans from Metro Schools.
Mental Health Resources
The following resources are available any time to any Nashvillian. They are especially valuable during times of great duress such as the Antioch community endured on January 22. Metro Schools will continue to communicate specific resources for students and staff of Antioch High School as they are finalized.
- Anyone experiencing a mental health crisis in Nashville can always call the statewide hotline: 988.
- National Alliance on Mental Illness is available with resources at info@namidavidson.org or by calling 615-891-4724.
- The Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress offers resources to help both yourself and someone experiencing an acute stress reaction. CSTSOnline.org has a series of distributable resources for communities in need.
- The Metro Public Health Department provides mental health counseling and services to the public at no cost. Licensed mental health clinicians can provide services by appointment Monday-Friday at the Lentz Public Health Center, East Public Health Center and Woodbine Public Health Center. Appointments can be made for sessions conducted in English or Spanish by calling 615-340-2172. Walk-ins will be served as can be accommodated. Insurance is not required.
- The Child Mind Institute has resources for parents or caregivers who are helping children after a traumatic event. This resource is also available in Spanish on the CMI website.
- Whether a child was at Antioch High School or elsewhere, news of the tragedy can be traumatic. The Smithsonian Magazine offers perspective on how families can navigate conversations around what happened and how to cope.
The Latest from the Director of Schools
On the evening of Wednesday, January 22, Dr. Adrienne Battle, Director of Metro Nashville Public Schools, sent the following message to school families.
"We mourn the heartbreaking loss of two Antioch High School students in a tragic shooting incident. One student took their own life and the life of a peer, leaving our entire MNPS community grieving alongside their families and loved ones. Our thoughts are with all those affected by this unimaginable loss.
We are grateful for the swift response of Antioch High School staff, the Nashville Police Department, and the Nashville Fire Department, who acted quickly to ensure no additional harm. This tragedy remains under investigation, and we are committed to understanding how to prevent such incidents in the future.
Antioch High School will be closed for the rest of the week to allow time for grieving. Counselors and support staff will be available at all schools starting tomorrow to assist students and staff in need.
Safety is our highest priority. While we have implemented a range of measures, including security cameras and weapon detection software, shatter-resistant film, and partnerships with law enforcement, we continue to evaluate and enhance our strategies to create safe learning environments for all students.
Our schools are places of learning, growth, and community, and we remain committed to supporting all MNPS families during this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Dr. Adrienne Battle
Superintendent
Metro Nashville Public Schools
Antioch High School Closed for Students Monday January 27 2025, Open for Teachers and Staff
The Latest on the Investigation
The Metro Nashville Police Department will continue to publish updates on their investigation as more information becomes available. On Wednesday night, MNPD published the following update:
Investigation Continuing into Today's Shooting In Antioch High School's Cafeteria (January 22, 2025)
Antioch High School Shooting Case Investigative Update (January 23, 2025)
How We Can Help
"Nashville is a community of extraordinary generosity. As we have so many times in the past, we have seen and felt a tremendous outpouring of support from Nashville residents who want to do something to show love to everyone impacted by the shooting at Antioch High School." —Mayor Freddie O'Connell
Your partnership is essential during this time. Here's how you can support the Antioch community:
- The Nashville School Violence Support and Healing Fund is a charitable fund that supports students, faculty, and their families who are directly impacted by school violence incidents that occur on school grounds or during school events in Davidson County, including those killed, physically injured, or emotionally traumatized. Contributions can be made online.
- Support Antioch High School students' social-emotional needs or contribute snacks and drinks for staff and teachers from this Amazon Wishlist.
- Sign up to provide lunch for Antioch High School staff to show your support.
- Sponsor staff or student wellness activities (yoga, massages, other self care opportunities)
- Donate items from the Antioch Student and Staff Resource Wishlist which will ship directly to the school. If you have any questions or ideas for a potential contribution, you can email familyandcommunitypartnerships@mnps.org.
- Some other possible ideas include:
- Notes of encouragement for students and staff
- Tokens of staff appreciation