NASHVILLE — Three children and three staff members were shot and killed at a private school in Nashville, Tennessee, according to officials.
The shooting unfolded Monday morning at the Covenant School, a Christian school for students in preschool through sixth grade.
The suspect, a 28-year-old Nashville woman, was shot and killed by authorities in a lobby area on the second floor of the school, according to police.
No one who was shot survived, officials said.
The suspect was armed with at least two assault-type rifles and a handgun, officials said.
Authorities said she entered the school through a side entrance and made her way from the first floor to the second floor, firing multiple shots.
Alex Apple told ABC News Live that his mother works at the school's front desk. Apple said she was at her car when she got an alert saying to shelter in place.
"She got out of her car, heard the gunshots, so she fled," he said.
The school has about 209 students and about 40 to 50 staff members, officials said.
First lady Jill Biden briefly addressed the shooting at the top of her remarks at the National League of Cities conference on Monday.
"I am truly without words. Our children deserve better," she said.
An active shooter event has taken place at Covenant School, Covenant Presbyterian Church, on Burton Hills Dr. The shooter was engaged by MNPD and is dead. Student reunification with parents is at Woodmont Baptist Church, 2100 Woodmont Blvd. pic.twitter.com/vO8p9cj3vx
— Metro Nashville PD (@MNPDNashville) March 27, 2023
Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee tweeted that he's "closely monitoring the tragic situation."
"Please join us in praying for the school, congregation & Nashville community," Lee said.
I am closely monitoring the tragic situation at Covenant, & the @TNDeptofSafety & @TNHighwayPatrol are assisting local law enforcement & first responders at the scene.
— Gov. Bill Lee (@GovBillLee) March 27, 2023
As we continue to respond, please join us in praying for the school, congregation & Nashville community.
Nashville Mayor John Cooper tweeted, "In a tragic morning, Nashville joined the dreaded, long list of communities to experience a school shooting. My heart goes out to the families of the victims. Our entire city stands with you."
In a tragic morning, Nashville joined the dreaded, long list of communities to experience a school shooting.
— Mayor John Cooper (@JohnCooper4Nash) March 27, 2023
My heart goes out to the families of the victims. Our entire city stands with you.
As facts continue to emerge, I thank our first responders and medical professionals.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
ABC News' Alex Faul contributed to this report.
