Nashville school shooting: Police seize guns at home

The occurrence took place at The Covenant School, a private Christian school, the students aged three to 11.

The three children who died were all aged nine. Police said the suspect gained entry by shooting through a door at the school. A search of their home led to officers seizing more firearms.

The child victims have been identified as Evelyn Dieckhaus, Hallie Scruggs and William Kinney.

The adult fatalities were named as Cynthia Peak, 61, Katherine Koonce, 60, and Mike Hill, 61.

The suspect has been identified as 28-year-old Audrey Hale, officers said.

The attacker Hale was identified as transgender. Speculations state that there was some trauma with the suspect as he attended the Christian School as a child. 

A police spokesperson told the Viztream News that Hale "is a biological woman who, on a social media profile, used male pronouns".

Hale was armed with three guns, including a semi-automatic rifle, and was later shot dead by police.

Hale had no criminal record but had left a manifesto and had drawn a detailed map of the school, with entry points. Police are now studying those documents.

Police also believe that Hale had planned out other attacks, "including maybe family members and one of the malls here in Nashville and it just did not happen," Nashvile Police Chief John Drake told Viztream News!

Police received the first call about the incident at 10:13 local time (15:13 GMT) on Monday.

The suspect drove to the school and got in by firing through one of the school doors, which were all locked.

Video later released by Nashville police shows Hale using a gun to gain entry by shattering glass panes on the front doors, then wandering the school's deserted corridors - at one point walking past a room labelled "Children's Ministry".

In the footage, Hale is wearing what looks like a protective vest and carrying an assault-style rifle in one hand, with a second, similar weapon also visible hanging from the left hip.

This is breaking news and Viztream National News will continue to deliver thelatest as we receive it.

A deadly tornado outbreak and strong thunderstorms swept across Mississippi and Alabama late Friday, with one long-track twister leaving a trail of destruction for more than 90 miles, local and federal authorities said.

At least 25 people have died in Mississippi. A man in Alabama who was rescued by first responders later succumbed to his injuries, officials said.

Search and rescue operations were underway in Sharkey and Humphreys counties, Mississippi's Emergency Management Agency said. The agency issued a series of tornado warnings in counties throughout the state.

"Many in the MS Delta need your prayer and God's protection tonight," Gov. Tate Reeves said on Twitter. "We have activated medical support -- surging more ambulances and other emergency assets for those affected. Search and rescue is active."

President Joe Biden on Saturday said he is praying for those who lost their loved ones in the tornadoes.

"The images from across Mississippi are heartbreaking. While we are still assessing the full extent of the damage, we know that many of our fellow Americans are not only grieving for family and friends, they've lost their homes and businesses," Biden said.

He went on, "To those impacted by these devastating storms, and to the first responders and emergency personnel working to help their fellow Americans: we will do everything we can to help. We will be there as long as it takes. We will work together to deliver the support you need to recover."

Reeves issued a state of emergency in all counties affected by the severe storms.

"I'm devastated by the destruction and loss of life that these storms have caused," Reeves said in a statement. "The state of Mississippi will continue doing everything we can to marshal every resource available to support our fellow Mississippians who are in need. The state will be there to help them rebuild. We're not going anywhere and we're in it for the long haul. Please join me in praying for the family and friends of those who lost loved ones in this trying time."

Dozens of injuries have been reported, the state emergency agency said on Twitter. Four people who were reported missing overnight are now accounted for, EMA said.

The fatalities are reported in Sharkey, Humphreys, Carroll, and Monroe counties, according to state officials.

Thirteen people died in Sharkey County, coroner Angelia Easton told VNN in a statement. Jose Watson, a Mississippi Highway Patrol trooper, said one person died in Silver City, in Humphreys County.

A FEMA team is en route to assist the state. The Department of Homeland Security also said it is offering assistance to Mississippi communities impacted by the tornado.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the communities in Mississippi that have been struck by the devastating tornadoes. I have spoken with Governor @tatereeves, @SenatorWicker, @SenHydeSmith, and Congressman @BennieGThompson. Through @FEMA, DHS will provide support to the impacted communities as we work together to respond and recover from this disaster," Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said in a Tweet.