NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) – Gov. Bill Lee released a statement Wednesday saying he hopes for a redemption story for Tennessee after The Covenant School shooting that left six dead inside the Nashville private school.
Wednesday marks one year since a shooter entered the school, killing three staff members and three 9-year-old students.
“One year ago, The Covenant School experienced one of the most tragic and heartbreaking events in our state’s history,” Lee said on Wednesday. “There are no words adequate enough to describe the immeasurable pain and sorrow of the families.”
One year ago, The Covenant School experienced one of the most tragic and heartbreaking events in our state’s history.
— Gov. Bill Lee (@GovBillLee) March 27, 2024
Maria and I join many Tennesseans in lifting up the Covenant community in prayer. pic.twitter.com/OlcWgBwnjU
After the school shooting, Lee called a special legislative session on public safety and said it was meant to strengthen public safety while preserving gun rights coveted by conservatives. When the special session ended, Lee said it was a success that put public safety in the forefront of lawmaker’s minds and prioritized the well-being of Tennesseans.
Democrats maintained the special session was a failure, with both the House and Senate unable to agree on substantial legislation to help combat gun violence.
Lawmakers heard dozens of bills aimed at keeping guns out of the hands of mentally ill persons, but most were tabled, which frustrated gun reform advocates and led to protests in and around the capitol during the week-long special session. Since the special session and a year since the shooting, advocates continue to push for gun reform in Tennessee and Lee signed a $230 million school safety bill to help increase resources.
Lee said Tennessee has been forever changed by the tragedy.
“Our hope is that through that change, along with the prayers of millions, there will be redemption through this great tragedy,” he said. “Maria and I join many Tennesseans lifting up the Covenant community in prayer.”
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