Free-press advocates warned that allowing Covenant School families to keep the writings private sets a dangerous precedent. Deborah Fisher, executive editor of the Tennessee Coalition for Open Government, said if the families succeed, the public and lawmakers will all “be in the dark.” She argued that it’s not right to withhold key evidence related to the case just because the shooter died in the attack and won’t go on trial.
“The parents, school, and church aren’t considering that the information might lead to policies that could save other children’s lives,” Fisher wrote. “The information also could help inform the public about what to look for to avert future tragedies.”
The Tennessee Firearms Association and the National Police Association also sued for the release of the Nashville shooter’s writings.
One surviving family member who is in favor of releasing the shooter’s writings is Reggie Hill. His brother, Mike Hill, was killed at The Covenant School while working as a janitor. Reggie Hill expressed confusion about why this particular shooter’s writings haven’t been released to “help give closure to a tragic situation.”
He said he’s been experiencing added grief and stress from all the “rumors and myths” floating around. “For me personally,” he said, “not knowing the shooter’s true motives leaves a large void in my heart and in my brother’s story.”
A ruling is expected after all the briefs and declarations have been submitted.
