A tragic shooting at Antioch High School in Nashville has left the community in shock. The incident occurred on Wednesday morning in the school’s cafeteria, resulting in the death of a 16-year-old girl, identified as Josselin Corea Escalante, and the shooter, a 17-year-old student named Solomon Henderson, who took his own life after shooting her.
Metro Nashville Police Department (MNPD) confirmed that the shooting began shortly after 11 a.m., when Henderson confronted Escalante and opened fire. In addition to Escalante’s death, another student, a 17-year-old boy, suffered a graze wound but has since been treated and released from a local hospital. The police have not yet determined the motive behind the shooting.
Following the incident, Nashville’s Mayor Freddie O’Connell, Police Chief John Drake, and other officials held a press conference to address the community’s concerns. The school will remain closed for the rest of the week as the investigation continues. Chief Drake emphasized the importance of quick emergency responses, acknowledging the school staff’s efforts in potentially preventing further harm.
Support for affected families has been a focal point, with a reunification center set up for students. MNPS Director Dr. Adrienne Battle expressed grief over the loss of the students and committed to providing resources for recovery in the wake of this tragedy.
The investigation remains active, with authorities examining social media materials linked to the incident. The community is encouraged to support one another and seek help during this difficult time.
As this situation continues to unfold, it serves as a stark reminder of the impact of gun violence on young lives and the urgent need for collective action to address safety in schools. The hope is that through these discussions, positive change can emerge to prevent similar tragedies in the future.