Three Tennessee Republicans who expressed “heartbreak” over the recent mass shooting at The Covenant School in Nashville have introduced legislation in Congress to improve security in U.S. schools.
The legislation would establish a $900 million grant program that will allow both public and private schools to train and hire veterans and former law enforcement officers to serve as school safety officers, hire off-duty law enforcement officers, and provide funding to harden schools and increase physical security.
“I am beyond heartbroken at the shooting that occurred at the Covenant School in Nashville,” Blackburn wrote in a statement. “No parent should have to endure what these families are experiencing. Schools should be places where children are safe to learn, play, and be children.
“This legislation will allow both public and private schools to train and hire veterans and former law enforcement officers to serve as school safety officers as well as increase physical security measures to harden schools.
“By providing these critical funds, we can help protect our precious children and secure our schools.”
Hagerty said: “The Covenant School community, the city of Nashville, and our home state of Tennessee have suffered unspeakable, heartbreaking loss this week, and I join the families of the victims and all those affected in mourning this incomprehensible tragedy.
“The heroic bravery of law enforcement officers and first responders who quickly ran into danger, as well as the actions of teachers, staff, and students who deployed security measures, saved many other lives and underscore the critical role of school-security planning and personnel in the face of depraved, evil acts.
“That’s why I’ve joined Senator Blackburn in introducing this legislation to provide additional security resources to keep our schools and children safe.”
Fleischmann wrote in a April 11 statement: “The shooting at the Covenant School in Nashville broke my heart and the hearts of every Tennessean and American. ... We must protect our nation’s schools and children from evil individuals who seek to cause senseless harm to others.”
Under the plan, schools could hire military veterans and former or current law enforcement officers. The program would also provide grants for states to establish and run training programs so that the officers can receive official certification.
“I sincerely hope that my colleagues in Congress and President [Joe] Biden see the importance of this commonsense bill and quickly pass it into law, so we can keep our children safe,” Fleischmann said in a statement.
Six people, including three 9-year-olds, were killed in the March 27 shooting at The Covenant School.
Authorities identified the children as Evelyn Dieckhaus, Hallie Scruggs, and William Kinney. The adults were substitute teacher Cynthia Peak, 61, head of school Katherine Koonce, 60, and custodian Mike Hill, 61.
Police identified the shooter as Audrey Hale, a 28-year-old woman and former student of the school. Police Chief John Drake said Hale identified as transgender and used male pronouns on social media.
Hale was armed with at least two semiautomatic rifles and a handgun, which she legally obtained.
Nashville police officers swiftly cleared the first floor and then moved to the second floor, where they shot and killed Hale at about 10:27 a.m., about 14 minutes after Hale first entered the school.
