A federal judge in Tennessee has ordered the FBI to release the 'manifesto' left behind by a transgender killer who carried out a tragic shooting at the Covenant Christian School in Nashville last year. The incident resulted in the deaths of three adults and three children.
The shooter, identified as Audrey Elizabeth Hale who went by Aiden, entered the school premises and fatally shot Mike Hill, Cynthia Peak, Katherine Koonce, and three 9-year-old students - Hallie Scruggs, Evelyn Dieckhaus, and William Kinney.
Despite Hale being neutralized by responding officers, a manifesto and other documents, including a hand-drawn map of the school, were recovered from her car. The FBI has been withholding the manifesto, citing concerns about potential interference with enforcement proceedings.
Following a lawsuit filed by a local newspaper against the FBI under the Freedom of Information Act, a federal judge ordered the bureau to submit the manifesto for review. The judge emphasized the public's right to understand the motives behind the tragedy and the importance of implementing preventive measures.
The leaked portions of the manifesto have raised questions about the delay in its full release. The document is expected to shed light on the killer's motives and provide insight into the tragic event.
Authorities are yet to confirm the authenticity of leaked crime scene photographs related to the case. The National Police Association has also taken legal action to obtain the same documents from the city of Nashville.
Investigators have not determined a clear motive for the attack but believe that the school and its affiliated church were targeted by the former student. The manifesto is anticipated to offer crucial information regarding the killer's intentions and emotions leading up to the violent incident.
