FBI Releases Over 100 Pages of Writings by Covenant School Shooter Audrey Hale

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The FBI has made public more than 100 pages of documents written by Audrey Hale, the shooter responsible for the 2023 mass shooting at The Covenant School that left three children and three staff members dead.

The writings, which were discovered in Hale’s vehicle after the incident, had been withheld from public view until now. Their release follows a lengthy legal dispute led by The Tennessee Star and the Tennessee Firearms Association (TFA), who pushed for full disclosure of the material.

The documents provide a troubling look into Hale’s mindset prior to the attack. Among the pages are floor plans of the school, personal to-do lists, and disturbing entries expressing a desire to die. Some notes reference books she planned to read and movies she intended to watch, suggesting a mix of ordinary daily life and deeply disturbing intentions.

Also included are drawings of the Covenant School’s interior and detailed outlines of Hale’s preparations leading up to the shooting. The material paints a picture of premeditation and emotional instability, reinforcing earlier reports that the attack was carefully planned.

Law enforcement previously confirmed that Hale, a former student at the school, had targeted the location deliberately. Despite the release of these documents, authorities say many questions remain about Hale’s full motive.

The publication of the writings has sparked renewed debate over whether releasing such materials serves the public interest or risks inspiring future violence. Some advocate for transparency, while others — including families of the victims — have expressed concern about the potential harm of making such content widely available.

The released documents are now accessible through the FBI’s records division and related court filings. Officials caution that the material includes sensitive and graphic content, and advise the public to view it with discretion.