Newly unsealed FBI documents from the 2023 Covenant School shooting provide a chilling look into the mind of the shooter, Audrey Hale.

According to the Christian Post, the FBI released 112 pages of writings and planning materials belonging to Hale, showing intense premeditation, disturbing motives, and personal revelations tied to the March 27, 2023, attack that killed six people at a Christian elementary school in Nashville, Tennessee.

On that day, Hale, 28, entered the private Covenant School and fatally shot three 9-year-old students—Hallie Scruggs, Evelyn Dieckhaus, and William Kinney—alongside three adult staff members: Katherine Koonce, 60; Cynthia Peak, 61; and Mike Hill, 61. Hale was later shot and killed by law enforcement officers responding to the incident.

The FBI released the documents, totaling 112 pages, in June 2025 following a legal challenge from The Tennessee Star and the Tennessee Firearms Association. The pages include diaries, written plans, and disturbing personal notes recovered from Hale’s vehicle and residence. Several pages had already surfaced online in unauthorized leaks before the FBI’s full release.

According to the documents, Hale had referred to March 27 as “death day.” One document listed the books and films Hale intended to read and watch before carrying out the attack. Notes included observations about the school campus, gun safety procedures, and specific details about school staff and student routines.

Shooter Left Evidence of Long-Term Planning

Investigators recovered hand-drawn maps of the school, floor plans, and a faculty directory, some of which remain partially redacted in the public release. In one note, Hale expressed an intent to seek attention for the act, with police believing Hale was inspired by the infamous 1999 Columbine High School shooting.

The Metro Nashville Police Department previously released a report in March 2025 indicating that Hale aimed for infamy through the shooting. The report described Hale’s admiration for previous high-profile school shooters and a desire for the media recognition that often follows such tragedies.

Personal writings offer insight into Hale’s emotional and psychological struggles. In one entry, Hale wrote, “I was born wrong,” followed by another passage stating, “Nothing on earth can save me.” The entries convey deep dissatisfaction with religion, gender identity, and personal worth.

Religious Discontent and Gender Identity Struggles Shared

Hale, who identified as a lesbian and used he/him pronouns, frequently expressed anger toward religion and God in the writings. Tennessee state law, however, recognizes gender identity based on biological sex, and Hale was referred to as female in all official documentation.

One passage read, “Forgive me God, this act will be inglorious.” Another stated, “If God won’t give me a boy body in heaven, then Jesus is a f—.” These sentiments reflected Hale’s internal conflict regarding gender identity and rejection of religious faith.

In some entries, Hale targeted both educators and religious beliefs, writing, “Throw the Bible in his face, tell him his religion sucks. Then shoot 'em.” Another passage warned, “Pray to your God that your children will live, 'cause I will try to kill all your kids.”

Documents Also Reveal Anti-School Sentiments

The released writings contained a recurring theme of resentment specifically directed at the Covenant School and its religious education. Hale had previously attended the school, although the timeline of Hale’s connection to it has not been fully disclosed in the documents.

Physical evidence retrieved from Hale’s belongings included firearm safety guides and shooting range rules, indicating familiarity with weapons. Hale had legally acquired multiple firearms prior to the attack, according to earlier police briefings not part of the document release.

Despite the extensive collection of material, the FBI redacted some sensitive planning information, including schematics of the school campus, to protect student and faculty safety. The agency also withheld details that could potentially inspire future attacks.

Public Response and Ongoing Legal Impact

The release of the documents has reignited debates around access to shooter manifestos, mental health, and school safety protocols. Some groups argue that transparency helps the public understand the warning signs that lead to violence, while others fear the information may encourage copycats.

The legal initiative to make Hale’s writings public was led by transparency advocates and gun rights supporters in Tennessee. They argued that the public had a right to understand the factors behind the attack, particularly given questions about motivation and planning.

Audrey Hale’s writings provide a unique but deeply unsettling glimpse into the mindset that preceded the Covenant School tragedy. The release of this material is likely to intensify discussions about how identity, mental health, and ideology intersect in acts of targeted violence.