NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Seven Metro Nashville Police Department officers have been placed on administrative assignment during an ongoing investigation into the leak of The Covenant School shooter's documents, according to the department.
MNPD confirmed it is non-punitive and meant to protect the integrity of the investigation; all seven still have full police power.
On Monday, three images of the Covenant shooter's documents were released on a talk show, streamed online. None of the documents have been made available to the public since March 27, when three adults and three children died and the shooter was shot and killed by police.
According to the MNPD manual, administrative assignment is when an employee has been approved by the appointing authority to be absent from their normal assigned tour of duty and no other type status is appropriate.
Most often this status will be used when an officer has been involved in a use of force that is under investigation and the officer must be readily available to assist investigators. Being placed on this type of assignment requires the employee to stay in contact with the investigative unit and respond immediately to any investigative request.
What is the investigation concerning?
On Monday, Nov. 6., three pages of writing from the Covenant school shooter were released. The release is unauthorized, as currently the documents are a part of a pending lawsuit including five different parties.
Nashville Mayor Freddie O'Connell said he and his administration are looking into the unauthorized release of three images from the Covenant school shooter's writings.
“I have directed Wally Dietz, Metro’s Law Director, to initiate an investigation into how these images could have been released," O'Connell said. "That investigation may involve local, state, and federal authorities. I am deeply concerned with the safety, security, and well-being of the Covenant families and all Nashvillians who are grieving."
Metro Nashville Police Chief John Drake said earlier in 2023 that the department would release The Covenant School shooter documents if ordered by the court to do so. As part of the lawsuit, MNPD officers have filed documents saying it could take up to a year to analyze all of the shooter's writings.
Most recently, the court granted motions for The Covenant School, Covenant Presbyterian Church and families to intervene in the discussion over the release of documents written by the shooter. While they will not be responsible for the final decision, their opinion will be allowed in the legal discussion over the matter.
What are the images of?
One of the pictures appears to show a gloved hand holding the notebook. Another image shows a Metro Nashville Police SUV in the background.
Two of the images show notebook paper titled "Death Day," with one scheduling what appears to be a schedule for a shooter. However, the times do not match what actually happened on March 27.
One part says: "I'm a little nervous but excited too. Been excited for the past 2 weeks." It goes on to say, "Can't believe I'm doing this, but I'm ready. I hope my victims aren't." It continues, "God let my wrath take over my anxiety." The writings say the shooter hopes for a high death count.
"At the time we have limited information about his possible leak of documents related to the tragic shooting at Covenant School," Metro Legal Attorney Wally Dietz said. "At the request of the mayor, I am initiating a full investigation with multiple law enforcement agencies to determine exactly what happened."
Metro Police say there are several journals from the shooter detailing plans for the shooting. The writings are still in possession of the metro Nashville Police Department.
Where does the court case stand?
A three-judge panel in the appeals court is now working on a decision on whether Covenant parents have a say in the case.
For more about how the Coveant writings were leaked, you can read our previous coverage.
This is a developing news story. NewsChannel 5 will continue to update it.
