NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) - It’s been a heartbreaking week for the Antioch High School community after a student opened fire in the school cafeteria, killing one student, injuring another, and then taking his own life.As students and staff prepare to return to class, safety is now a top priority.In response, Metro Nashville Public Schools (MNPS) has installed a new weapons detection system at AHS, with plans to evaluate its effectiveness and consider implementing it across the district.Outside AHS, people from across...
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) - It’s been a heartbreaking week for the Antioch High School community after a student opened fire in the school cafeteria, killing one student, injuring another, and then taking his own life.
As students and staff prepare to return to class, safety is now a top priority.
In response, Metro Nashville Public Schools (MNPS) has installed a new weapons detection system at AHS, with plans to evaluate its effectiveness and consider implementing it across the district.
Outside AHS, people from across Middle Tennessee have gathered to pay their respects, leaving flowers and mementos at a growing memorial.
Michelle Cruz, a middle schooler from Rutherford County, was among those visiting.
“We just wanted to come and see this memorial, because it is still kind of sad, even though we didn’t know her. But like, it’s still sad,” Cruz shared.
As the community processes the tragedy, a push for increased school safety is gaining momentum. Cruz and many others are advocating for metal detectors to be installed permanently in schools across the state.
At AHS, MNPS is installing the Evolv weapons detection system. This system, similar to metal detectors but powered by artificial intelligence, is designed to identify weapons quickly and efficiently. To streamline the process, the district is asking students to bring only essential items, such as backpacks and school supplies.
Cruz, who attended a middle school where metal detectors were briefly used, said they gave her a peace of mind.
“We had them for about a week or two weeks, and they would go off every time, like if there was something new in someone’s backpack. That felt really safe,” explained the Rock Springs Middle School student.
Cruz was concerned after the metal detectors were removed saying, “When they took the metal detectors away, it was like people could sneak stuff in now.”
Over 1,000 people have signed a petition is urging Tennessee lawmakers to mandate metal detectors in all schools.
“I feel like kids would feel safer going to school if we had metal detectors,” Cruz explained.
While the pilot program for the Evolv system is underway, MNPS plans to collect data from Antioch High School to evaluate its effectiveness and consider expanding the system to other schools.
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