Nashville, TN – The Antioch High School shooting, which claimed the life of 16-year-old Josselin Corea Escalante and left two others injured, has taken a chilling turn with the discovery of a 47-page manifesto reportedly authored by the 17-year-old gunman, Solomon Henderson. The document, allegedly posted online just before the attack, provides a harrowing look into Henderson’s mindset, detailing his struggles with identity, feelings of isolation, and meticulous planning for the tragedy.
A Manifesto of Pain and Planning
The manifesto, uncovered on social media accounts linked to Henderson, contains an unsettling mix of personal anguish, self-loathing, and detailed plans for the shooting. In one entry, Henderson expressed his despair:
“I was so miserable. I wanted to kill myself. I just couldn’t take anymore. I am a worthless subhuman, a living, breathing disgrace.”
He described feeling abandoned by friends and disconnected from his peers, stating:
“All my real-life friends outgrew me, acted like they didn’t f***ing know me. Becoming me was so humiliating. That’s why I spend all day dissociating.”
Racial Struggles and Societal Critiques
Henderson’s manifesto also revealed his internal conflicts about race and identity. He expressed feelings of shame about his racial background and made inflammatory comments targeting various ethnic and religious groups.
In another section, he criticized societal views on crime, writing:
“The difference between good and bad criminals depends on how well they were dressed. It depends on what weapon they used, their posture, their plan of attack… Even the very worst of criminal acts are forgiven by simply looking good.”
The Shooting: A Tragic Morning at Antioch High School
On the morning of the shooting, Henderson arrived at Antioch High School by bus and headed to a restroom where investigators believe he retrieved a firearm. Surveillance footage captured him entering the school cafeteria around 11:00 a.m., wearing a hoodie and carrying the weapon.
Henderson confronted 16-year-old Josselin Corea Escalante and opened fire, fatally shooting her. A second female student sustained a graze wound to her arm, while a male student suffered a facial injury unrelated to gunfire during the chaos.
Henderson then turned the gun on himself, sustaining a fatal self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head.
Manifesto’s Disturbing Details of Preparation
The manifesto detailed Henderson’s meticulous planning for the attack. It included a layout of the school, photos of the weapons and ammunition he intended to use, and links to mass shooting guides and other manifestos.
He reportedly considered using a GoPro camera to document the shooting but decided against it, fearing he could not explain the purchase to his parents.
Community Shock and Grief
The death of Josselin Corea Escalante has devastated the Antioch community. Her family described her as a bright, loving young woman with a promising future. Friends and classmates held a vigil outside the school to honor her memory.
Mayor Freddie O’Connell shared his condolences:
“This tragedy has shaken our community to its core. We grieve for Josselin and the families impacted by this senseless act.”
Investigation and Online Threats
The Metro Nashville Police Department (MNPD), along with federal agencies, is investigating the authenticity of the manifesto and Henderson’s online activities leading up to the attack.
Chief John Drake stated:
“There are some materials on the internet that we’re looking at. If someone had seen something and said something, maybe more could have been done.”
Law enforcement is urging the public to report any suspicious online behavior that could indicate a threat to school safety.
Calls for Change
The Antioch High School tragedy has reignited debates about gun control, school security, and mental health resources. Advocates are calling for increased mental health support in schools and stricter regulations on firearm access for minors.
Sarah Thompson, a parent of an Antioch student, shared:
“This tragedy could have been prevented. We need better systems in place to identify and help students in crisis.”
Memorial for Josselin Corea Escalante
A candlelight vigil for Josselin will be held at Antioch City Park on Friday evening. The event will include prayers, speeches from community leaders, and a moment of silence to honor her life.
A Tragic Reminder
As the investigation continues, the Antioch community is left grappling with the devastating impact of this tragedy. The manifesto offers insight into the shooter’s mind but also serves as a stark reminder of the importance of early intervention and vigilance in preventing acts of violence.
Our thoughts remain with the victims, their families, and the Antioch High School community during this heartbreaking time.
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