(CNN) Another American community is in retreat The shooter was killed Three 9-year-old boys and three adults at a private Christian elementary school in Nashville.
Monday’s attack was the deadliest school shooting in the United States In almost a year And the 19th shooting at a school or university so far in 2023 has injured at least one person, CNN’s tally shows.
Some 562 such firing incidents Emerged since 2008.
“Our community is heartbroken,” Covenant School, a ministry of Covenant Presbyterian Church, said in a statement, thanking first responders for their quick response and showing support for the school.
“We are experiencing a tremendous loss and are still reeling from the horror that has torn apart our school and church. We are focused on loving our students, our families, our faculty and staff and beginning the healing process,” the school said.
Here’s what we know so far about the victims:
Evelyn Dickhaus
Police said Evelyn was 9 years old. According to a family statement obtained by CNN affiliate KMOV, while her family appreciates the love and support they have received, they are asking for space to grieve.
“Our hearts are completely broken. We cannot believe this has happened,” the statement said. “Evelyn is a bright light in this world.”
Mike Hill
Hill, 61, was a custodian at the school, police said.
He was a member of the facilities/kitchen staff, which went offline shortly after the massacre, according to its website.
Kathryn Koons
Police said Koons was 60 years old and was the head of the school, according to the website.
He attended Vanderbilt University and Trevecca Nazarene University in Nashville and earned a master’s degree from Georgia State University.
Holly Scruggs
Hallie is 9 years old and the daughter of Chad Scruggs, lead pastor of Covenant Presbyterian Church, police said. According to a report Scruggs was previously served by Park Cities Presbyterian Church in Dallas.
“We love the Scruggs family and grieve with them for their precious daughter, Hallie,” said Mark Davis, senior pastor of the Texas congregation.
Two more lives were lost
Also killed were 9-year-old William Kinney and 61-year-old Cynthia Peek, police said.
This is a developing story and will be updated.
CNN’s Amanda Jackson and Sarah Dewberry contributed to this report.
