Two Tennessee Republicans have introduced legislation in Congress to improve security in American schools. Both said they were motivated by the recent mass shooting at The Covenant School in Nashville.
“We must protect our nation’s schools and children from evil individuals who seek to cause senseless harm to others,” U.S. Rep. Chuck Fleischmann (R-Tenn.) wrote in a statement released on April 11.
Fleischmann introduced HR 2491, the Securing Aid for Every (SAFE) School Act. The act would establish a $900 million grant program for public and private schools to hire security, conduct threat assessments, improve the security of school buildings, train teachers, and purchase equipment for the safety officers.
The centerpiece of the act would be grants awarded to hire, equip, and train school safety officers.
Rep. Chuck Fleischmann (R-Tenn.) in his official congressional portrait. (U.S. Congress)Under the plan, schools could hire military veterans and former or current law enforcement officers. The program would also provide grants for states to establish and run training programs so the officers can receive official certification.
“I sincerely hope that my colleagues in Congress and President Biden see the importance of this commonsense bill and quickly pass it into law, so we can keep our children safe,” Fleischmann’s statement reads.
Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) announced that she has introduced companion legislation in the Senate. Like Fleischmann, Blackburn said she was moved to act after The Covenant School shooting.
“I am beyond heartbroken at the shooting that occurred at the Covenant School in Nashville,” Blackburn wrote in the same statement. “By providing these critical funds, we can help protect our precious children and secure our schools.”
Six people, including three 9-year-olds, were killed in the March 27 shooting at The Covenant School.
Authorities identified the children as Evelyn Dieckhaus, Hallie Scruggs, and William Kinney. The adults were substitute teacher Cynthia Peak, 61, head of school Katherine Koonce, 60, and custodian Mike Hill, 61.
Police identified the shooter as Audrey Hale, a 28-year-old woman and former student. Police Chief John Drake said Hale identified as transgender and used male pronouns on social media.
Hale was armed with at least two semiautomatic rifles and a handgun, which she legally obtained.
Nashville police officers swiftly cleared the first floor and then moved to the second floor, where they shot and killed Hale at about 10:27 a.m., approximately 14 minutes after Hale first entered the school.