Aside from authorities identifying the suspect connected to a shooting at Antioch High School, the MNPS school district has decided to close Antioch High today and tomorrow.
Following the release of reports about the shooting that occurred in the cafeteria of Antioch High School in Nashville, Tennessee on January 22, 2025, authorities revealed new information. According to the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department (MNPD), the suspect was a 17-year-old student named Solomon Henderson, and now, authorities are working on establishing a motive for his actions.
Law enforcement officials, including homicide detectives and federal and state agencies, are currently scrutinizing troubling online writings and social media posts linked to Henderson.
These digital traces, described as “very concerning,” may play a pivotal role in determining what drove Henderson to open fire on Wednesday morning.
The shooting resulted in the loss of 16-year-old Josselin Corea Escalante and injuries to a 17-year-old male student, who sustained a gunshot graze to the arm and was later treated and released from Vanderbilt University Medical Center.
Investigators have yet to uncover any direct connection between Henderson and the two victims, as they say that the two may have been unintended casualties of random gunfire.
Adding another layer to the tragedy, Henderson ended his own life with a self-inflicted gunshot wound before school resource officers, stationed elsewhere on campus, could intervene.
In the department’s media release addressing the shooting, MNPD Chief John Drake expressed, “On behalf of this entire police department, I extend our deep condolences to Antioch High students, parents, and staff.”
Nashville Chief of Police John Drake speaking at a candlelight vigil to mourn and honor the lives of the victims, survivors and families of The Covenant School tragedy in Nashville, Tennessee on March 29, 2023. | Source: Getty Images
He further emphasized the department’s commitment to aiding the healing process by providing support from officers and counselors in the days ahead.
Although the department has faced questions regarding any prior interactions with Henderson, officials noted that Tennessee law restricts the disclosure of juvenile records in most cases, leaving parts of Henderson’s background shrouded in confidentiality.
Nashville Police Chief John Drake addressing people at the candlelight vigil. | Source: Getty Images
The focus remains on piecing together his motivations as authorities carefully analyze his online behavior and its potential connection to the devastating events.
According to MNPD spokesperson Don Aaron, the Emergency Communications Center received a call reporting shots fired at the school on Hobson Pike at approximately 11:11 a.m. The incident began when Henderson, who had arrived at school by bus that morning, entered the cafeteria armed with a pistol.
He reportedly confronted Escalante before firing multiple shots. As mentioned, Escalante was fatally wounded, and another student sustained injuries in the chaotic scene before Henderson turned the gun on himself.
Another male student was reportedly transported to Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt for treatment of a facial injury; however, officials clarified that his injury was caused by a fall, not a gunshot.
Subsequently, the MNPD’s SWAT team was deployed to secure the school and clear the building. Investigators worked throughout the day and into the early morning hours with support from the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF).
FBI and police officials seen outside a house fire on Mandeville Street in New Orleans, Louisiana on January 1, 2025. | Source: Getty Images
In the hours following the shooting at Antioch High School, the MNPD shared timely updates with the public through posts on X (formerly Twitter). One post disclosed the occurrence of the tragic shooting, informing the community about the gravity of the situation. It also shared the reunification site where parents and guardians could reunite with their children.
A striking image depicting the scene outside the school was attached to this message. The photo showed a large crowd of law enforcement officers gathered in front of the school’s entrance, which was surrounded by police vehicles and emergency personnel.
On the same day as the tragic shooting, Dr. Adrienne Battle, the Director of the Community of Metro Nashville Public Schools (MNPS), issued a heartfelt statement reflecting the grief and solidarity of the school district. “My heart goes out to the families of our students as they face unimaginable loss,” stated Dr. Battle.
She then praised the school staff for their swift and heroic actions in following emergency protocols, which likely prevented further harm. Dr. Battle also commended the MNPD and Nashville Fire Department for their immediate and effective response.
A Nashville Metro police car parked outside the Central Police Precinct in Nashville, Tennessee on November 24, 2013. | Source: Getty Images
While addressing the tragedy, Dr. Battle reaffirmed the district’s commitment to uncovering the circumstances surrounding the shooting and exploring additional measures to prevent future incidents.
“It’s important to remember that our schools have historically been safe places for learning, friendship, and growth,” she added, urging the community not to let this tragedy overshadow the positive experiences of the district’s 80,000 students.
To support grieving students and staff, Dr. Battle announced that Antioch High School would remain closed for the rest of the week, and arrangements were being made for grief counseling services.
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She also assured the broader school community that counseling teams would be available at other schools to help students process the tragic event. Ending her statement, Dr. Battle said, “I am grateful for the support of our Nashville community as we navigate this difficult time together.”
Following Dr. Battle’s statement, the official account of Metro Schools shared additional details about the district’s support efforts in the wake of the Antioch High School tragedy.
In addition to confirming the closure of the school today (January 23, 2025) and Friday (January 24, 2025), they shared that the Southeast Community Center, located at 5260 Hickory Hollow Parkway, will be designated as a central hub for aid, offering grief counseling, hot meals, and food boxes to Antioch High students, staff, and their families.
Their message also expressed their deepest condolences to the lives affected by the tragedy and directed families to their official website for further updates, ensuring transparent communication during this difficult time. We extend our most heartfelt condolences to all the lives and communities impacted by this tragedy and hope for their healing.
If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), text “help” to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741, or go to suicidepreventionlifeline.org
