Digital Red Flags: Lessons from the Covenant School Shooting

In March 2023, the tragic shooting at The Covenant School in Nashville shocked the nation. Now, a newly released report from the Nashville Police Department provides a sobering look at the events leading up to the tragedy—including the shooter’s detailed online planning, motive, and timeline.

GET THE FULL REPORT FROM THE MNPD

The findings of the online behaviors underscore a critical truth: many school threats leave a digital activity trail before becoming real-world violence. By recognizing digital insights and acting on these warning signs of violence, schools may be able to intervene before tragedy strikes and prevent violence in schools.

What the Report Revealed

The shooter’s digital activity and online behaviors included:

• Online searches about past mass shootings
• A manifesto and attack plan saved digitally
• Messages sent to friends revealing suicidal ideation and intent
• Instagram posts signaling emotional distress

These digital insights were not hidden deep in the web—they were accessible, sometimes shared with others, and could have triggered earlier intervention if flagged or reported.

What Schools Can Do Now to Prevent Violence in Schools

To help prevent future tragedies, schools should take immediate action to strengthen their digital safety strategies:

• Monitor digital activity behavior for warning signs like violent ideation, suicidal thoughts, or attack planning—using tools and collaborating with parents and law enforcement.
• Train staff and students to recognize and report concerning online activity through anonymous reporting systems and clear guidelines.
• Review and respond to digital red flags as seriously as in-person threats to enable early intervention and support.

Prevention Starts with Awareness

Online behaviors can often serve as the first warning signs of violence. In today’s digital world, preventing school violence isn’t just about securing doors—it’s about recognizing the signals in students’ digital lives and building a culture of awareness and accountability.

By learning from tragedies like Covenant, we can take steps to protect our schools, support students in crisis, and create a safer future.