Nashville police are refusing to release a manifesto written by the transgender mass shooter who killed six people at a private Christian school in March.
After the shooter, Audrey Hale, 28, killed three children and three adults at the Covenant School on March 27, police reported finding a manifesto that could shed light on a possible motive for the murders. But authorities have not released the documents. Hale was shot dead by police during the attack.
The police said they were not releasing the manifesto because of pending litigation.
"Due to pending litigation filed this week, the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department has been advised by counsel to hold in abeyance the release of records related to the shooting at The Covenant School pending orders or direction of the court," the department wrote on Twitter.
Three appeals were filed in recent weeks demanding the release of the shooter's manifesto, the Tennessean reported:
In the month since the deadly Covenant School shooting, two lawsuits have been filed against the Metro Nashville Police Department in an effort to hasten the release of the writings and materials left by the shooter.
A third challenge, filed as an administrative appeal, was made against the Federal Bureau of Investigation challenging its denial of a public records request.
The Tennessee Firearms Association and retired Hamilton County Sheriff James Hammond, as well as Clata Renee Brewer in conjunction with the National Police Association are suing MNPD for the release of the materials.
The Tennessee Star filed the administrative appeal against the FBI with the help of the Wisconsin Institute for Law and Liberty.
Hale was transgender woman, according to police. Hale listed "He/Him" pronouns on a LinkedIn profile. Hale’s parents, who lived with the shooter, said Hale was under a doctor’s care for an "emotional disorder," police said.
Shortly before opening fire, Hale messaged a former classmate at the Christian school, saying, "I just need to die."