In the wake of the deadly school shooting at The Covenant School, a private Christian school in Nashville, politicians across the country have been sharing their thoughts. Tennessee is currently ranked 11th-highest  compared to other states with over 60 total school shootings. 

The Southern Standard reached out to Dr. Grant Swallows, the director of Warren County Schools for a comment on the tragedy and what Warren County can do to continue to keep children safe at school.

“It’s impossible to find anything to say to make any sense of a tragedy such as the one at The Covenant School. In Warren County, our school system has spent countless hours preparing for the nightmare that happened in Nashville today. We will continue to do so in hopes we never have to experience it. We will continue to promote and refine our safety procedures which are designed to keep the bad out. I am thankful to all of our employees who work so hard on a daily basis to take care of every need of our students, most importantly their safety. As our students left to go home, I couldn’t help but be thankful that they are able to return to their families.  I am absolutely heartbroken for those at The Covenant School that are not able to say that tonight. My faith teaches me to cast my burdens upon the Lord, and I will be doing so for the students, employees, families and all those touched by this senseless act. I would ask that you do the same and resolve that we will work together to make sure our kids’ safety is paramount in our schools.”

Senator Marsha Blackburn who represents Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District, in which Warren County is located, weighed in online. “Chuck and I are heartbroken to hear about the shooting at Covenant School in Nashville. My office is in contact with federal, state and local officials and we stand ready to assist. Thank you to the first responders working on site. Please join us in prayer for those affected.”

Senator Bill Hagerty also shared his thoughts via social media. “Devastated and heartbroken about the tragic news at Covenant School. I’m grateful to law enforcement and first responders for their heroic actions. I am monitoring the situation closely and my office is in contact with local officials and available to anyone needing assistance.” 

The Southern Standard also reached out to Senator Janice Bowling and Representative Paul Sherrell, but did not receive a reply by press time.