Antioch High School students, faculty, and staff returned to class this week, just six days after a student opened fire in the school cafeteria. Tragically, a young woman was killed, two other students were injured, and the shooter died by suicide after turning the 9mm handgun he had obtained on himself.
Voices for a Safer Tennessee is driven by stories like these—stories of lives cut short, families grieving, and communities left to pick up the pieces. We believe that through education, advocacy, and the advancement of firearm safety policies, we can create a safer future for our children and families.
Read on to learn how you can advocate for safer communities and support the Antioch community.
Safer TN has been exploring ways to support the Antioch High School community beyond our advocacy and firearm education efforts. We recognize that the pain and fear from that day are long-lasting, with ripple effects throughout the community. Our members include Covenant School parents who lost children or experienced lasting trauma following the shooting nearly two years ago, and many more whose lives have been forever changed by firearm violence.
Inspired by the thoughtful goodie bags created by several faith organizations for Antioch’s faculty and staff, we’ve decided to make Valentine’s cards for students, faculty, and staff. Along with delivering treats, we hope to bring a little brightness to their day and show them the communities cares.
We will host a family-friendly Valentine-making event on Tuesday, Feb. 11, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at The Temple, 5015 Harding Pike in Belle Meade. If you can attend, please register here.
If you’re unable to attend but would like to participate, we will have drop-off locations in Davidson County at:
- Hamilton United Methodist Church (3105 Hamilton Church Road, off Murfreesboro Pike in Antioch)
- Woodmont Christian Church (3601 Hillsboro Pike, Green Hills) in the church staff office building
- The Temple (in Belle Meade) in the Temple office
Recent reporting by The Tennessean (subscription required) states that juvenile mental health records are not reported to the FBI’s National Instant Criminal Background Check System. This means a juvenile involuntarily committed to a mental hospital could legally buy a gun at age 18, unless they have disqualifying criminal convictions.
Last year, Tennessee took a step toward strengthening public safety by barring juveniles with certain violent offenses from possessing firearms until age 25. However, juvenile mental health cases are excluded from reporting due to legal complexities.
And cases involving juvenile mental health adjudications are on the rise. Court-ordered mental health evaluations for juveniles jumped from 263 in 2021 to 540 in 2022, which the state attributed to the growing number of juveniles making threats involving mass violence, which became a felony in 2023.
Since the Antioch shooting, police have arrested at least eight children for making threats, including two as young as 12. Meanwhile, court-ordered mental health evaluations for juveniles jumped from 263 in 2021 to 540 in 2022, attributed to the growing number of threats involving mass violence.
Safer TN will continue working with the legislature to address these gaps and improve background checks. Our statement to the Tennessean was used in part, but in full reads:
“Last year, Tennessee took an important step to strengthen public safety by addressing a significant shortcoming in our background check system. The legislature acted to prevent juveniles with certain violent offenses from legally possessing firearms until they turn 25. Previously, they had become eligible upon reaching age 18.
Recent reporting has highlighted additional gaps that should be addressed. Safer TN will work with our legislature to build on last year’s progress and continue to improve background checks in Tennessee.”
How a bill becomes a law: A timely reminder
With new firearms bills filed, now is the perfect time to revisit how a bill becomes a law. Understanding this process is crucial as we advocate for meaningful, evidence-based firearm safety legislation.
Refer to the graphic above, or view our legislative learning session where former state Senator Lowe Finney explained the process.
More firearms bills have been introduced at the State Capitol. The filing deadline is Feb. 6. We’ll share more details about what bills to track, support and oppose once we get the full scope of filed legislation following the deadline.
Safer TN hosted a legislative briefing and fundraising event in Chattanooga on Wednesday. Thanks to the generous support of those in attendance, we surpassed our goal and raised more than $200,000!
We covered the event, so be sure to watch the video here.
If you are moved to support our work, please consider donating. Your contribution helps us:
- Advocate for impactful, evidence-based policies and programs across Tennessee
- Empower coalition members to educate their communities on firearm safety awareness
- Sponsor educational programs, like our suicide prevention webinar.
Building Common Ground for Responsible Gun Ownership and Safety (WDEF Chattanooga)
The Nashville Attack Displayed Several Hallmarks of Modern Terrorism (The Soufan Center)
3 more students arrested for school threats days after deadly Antioch High School shooting (WSMV Nashville)
73-year-old man fatally shot in Morgan County (WATE Knoxville)
One-year-old murdered over loud music (WSMV Nashville)
Man charged with shooting at snow-frolicking family appears in court (News Channel 9 Chattanooga)
Shootout in home near LeMoyne-Owen College leaves 2 dead, 3 injured (FOX13 Memphis)
Nashville police investigating separate deadly interstate shootings (WKRN Nashville)
Sevier County homeowner accused of shooting at vehicle stuck in ice (WATE Knoxville)
