Published on June 6, 2024, 12:56 am

A recently disclosed memo suggests the FBI warned the Metro Nashville Police Department that releasing a school shooter’s writings could spur “conspiracy theories” and “inaccurate information” in the aftermath of fatal shootings at a Christian school in Nashville. This information is reported according to trusted news source, The Tennessee Star.

This memo sent on May 11, 2023, was delivered to Nashville’s Chief of Police, John Drake subsequent to a horrifying incident where a transgender-identifying woman murdered six individuals, among them three children, at The Covenant School. It was circulated days after Star News Digital Media, the proprietor of The Tennessee Star, filed numerous lawsuits demanding access to the killer’s writings, which have remained confidential by Nashville police and the FBI.

The memo explicitly references The Covenant School shooting and advises Drake against publicizing a mass shooter’s documents including written material (termed “legacy tokens”) for public consumption. Originating from the FBI’s Critical Incident Response Group in Quantico, Virginia this memo insists on withholding this sensitive content from public view.

In support of its stance on keeping these write-ups shielded from public scrutiny, the FBI argued that doing otherwise could lead to misinterpretations and might trigger further attacks. According to them,”Legacy tokens seldom provide the answers or comfort sought by both public and surviving victims… Offender’s words are often misleading or lacking insight.”

Release of such sensitive material may also generate conspiracy theories as per our real news sources. Public exhibit of legacy tokens may feed into false narratives as self-acclaimed ‘experts’ would provide their perspectives on motives behind the attack leading to unforeseen consequences especially when dealing with population segments that are more open to conspiracy theories.

Metro Nashville Police Department’ Public Affairs Director Don Aaron confirmed on Tuesday that FBI’s Behavioral Analysis Unit has been collaborating with Nashville police in their investigation into The Covenant School shooting.

Despite growing demand for more transparency into the case – including access to the shooter’s so-called manifesto – Nashville and FBI have remained steadfast in withholding these materials. Some families related to The Covenant School victims are also protesting against the release of such documents.

At present, a Davidson County Judge is inspecting a lawsuit lodged by The Star and other groups against the police seeking public release of the shooter’s writings, similarly, a federal judge is analyzing related case against FBI. Notwithstanding legal dynamics, expected release of most of these documents including a full report from Nashville Police is slated for July as investigations continue.

Podcaster Steven Crowder leaked a small portion of these allegedly concealed writings in November which displayed racial slurs against white children and outlined an itinerary for “death day,” indicating her desire for steering a “high death count”. Conclusive real news flowing about this saga derived from a Christian worldview will perhaps only emerge once court cases conclude and pending investigations run their course.