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The full manifesto, now available for download, sheds light on Hale’s troubled psyche. The writings contain a mixture of self-hatred, confusion, and violent tendencies. Hale’s disturbing thoughts are laid bare, including statements like, “If God won’t give me a boy body in heaven then Jesus is a f*ggot,” and “I can’t be happy. I am meant to die.”
Leahy and his team have been relentless in their pursuit of transparency, taking legal action to ensure the manifesto’s release. After facing threats of imprisonment, The Tennessee Star decided to publish the entire 90-page document, asserting their First Amendment rights.
“Our reporting on the Covenant Killer investigation has served the public interest,” stated Michael Patrick Leahy. “We legally obtained writings by Audrey Elizabeth Hale, MNPD investigation documents, and MNPD crime scene photos from a source familiar with the MNPD investigation in June 2024. These documents and photos have helped us inform the public about the underlying reasons for this heinous attack, and have helped drive the public discussion of what should be done to prevent such acts of violence in the future.”
The manifesto reveals Hale’s use of an octagonal symbol, appearing throughout the journal, and her chilling declaration, “No regrets by the gun!!!” This symbol and the accompanying writings offer a haunting insight into her state of mind leading up to the tragic event.
The Tennessee Star’s legal struggle is far from over. After their formal request for the release of Hale’s writings was denied by the Metro Nashville Government in April 2023, Star News Digital Media, Inc. filed a lawsuit under the Tennessee Public Records Act. Despite the denial of their request by Judge I’Ashea Myles, citing an ongoing investigation and a copyright claim as reasons, Leahy and his team remain determined to appeal the ruling.
“We expect to win our appeal,” said Leahy confidently.
The legal battle reached a new intensity earlier this year when Leahy faced potential contempt charges for continuing to publish news stories based on Hale’s manifesto. Undeterred, he vowed to exercise his First Amendment rights, stating, “We have had a First Amendment right to publish these documents from the moment we legally obtained them in June 2024.”
Carry 46 rounds concealed? (comfortably)
The release of Audrey Hale’s manifesto has sparked a national debate on the intersection of mental health, gender identity, and violence. Leahy emphasized the importance of this discussion, noting, “We have documented a massive failure of the mental health system as a root cause of Hale’s reprehensible actions.”
As the legal proceedings continue, the contents of Hale’s manifesto will undoubtedly fuel ongoing conversations about the need for transparency, mental health reform, and the prevention of future tragedies. The Tennessee Star’s decision to publish the manifesto serves as a stark reminder of the role that journalism plays in shedding light on the darkest corners of human experience.
The full release of Audrey Hale’s manifesto is a pivotal moment in the quest for understanding the motivations behind the Covenant School shooting. The Tennessee Star’s commitment to transparency and the public’s right to know underscores the importance of holding institutions accountable. As the legal battle wages on, one thing is clear: the truth cannot remain hidden forever.
