Name: Chinese President Xi Jinping to visit Russia after Putin's invitation; leaders to hold 'crucial' talks
Uploaded: 2023-03-17T15:59:00.000+05:30
Duration: T00M34S
Channel: PTI
Description: Chinese President Xi Jinping to visit Russia after Putin's invitation

According to reports, bus developed a technical problem with the brakes. 

20 killed as bus carrying Mecca pilgrims crashes into bridge

A bus ferrying pilgrims to the holy city of Mecca burst into flames after a collision on a bridge on Monday, killing 20 people

According to reports, bus developed a technical problem with the brakes.&nbsp;

A bus ferrying pilgrims to the holy city of Mecca burst into flames after a collision on a bridge on Monday, killing 20 people and injuring more than two dozen others, Saudi state media reported.
It comes during the first week of Ramadan, a busy time for umrah pilgrimages, and just months before millions of Muslims are expected to make the annual hajj pilgrimage.
"According to preliminary information we have now received, the number of deaths in this accident reached 20, and the total number of injuries was approximately 29," the state-affiliated Al-Ekhbariya channel reported.
It said the victims had "different nationalities" but did not mention them or provide a breakdown.
The channel said the bus had "car trouble", without specifying, while the private newspaper Okaz said the accident resulted from an issue with the brakes.
The vehicle "then collided with a bridge, overturned and caught fire".
Footage broadcast on Al-Ekhbariya showed a reporter standing in front of what appeared to be the burnt-out shell of the bus.

The demonstrations, the largest in the history of Israel, have ensued over the government's plans to completely overhaul the country's judiciary. 

Israel protests: all you need to know about now paused judicial overhaul

The demonstrations, largest in the history of Israel, have ensued over the goverment's plans to completely overhaul the country's judiciary. 

The demonstrations, the largest in the history of Israel, have ensued over the government's plans to completely overhaul the country's judiciary.&nbsp;

Since January 2023, Israel witnessed widespread protests against the right-wing Benjamin Netanyahu government. The demonstrations, the largest in the history of Israel, were against the government's now paused plans to completely overhaul the country's judiciary.&nbsp;
Protestors and political analysts claim that the far-reaching changes if brought into effect, can shake the very democratic foundations of the country.&nbsp;
The proposed reforms have sparked protests from all quarters of the country, with former Prime Minister Ehud Barak, as well as ex-Prime Minister and current opposition leader Yair Lapid and former Justice Minister Tzipi Livni, joining the demonstrations.&nbsp;
The overhaul will give the Israeli government more control over the judiciary. These proposed reforms come in a package of bills, which just need to pass three votes in the Israel parliament or Knesset before they become law.&nbsp;
Adding to the complications is the fact that Israel does not have a written Constitution but rather just a set of rulings passed as basic laws.&nbsp;
According to a recent survey by the Israel Democracy Institute, '66 percent of Israelis think the Supreme Court should have the power to strike down a law if its incompatible with the Basic Laws.' WHAT ARE THE PROPOSED CHANGES?&nbsp;
From giving the Knesset power to override Supreme Court rulings to restricting Supreme Court's ability to overturn laws and most important of all, the selection of judges majorly constitutes part of the changes.&nbsp;
Presently, a nine-member committee consisting of justices and lawmakers select judges to be elevated to the Supreme Court.&nbsp;
Netanyahu plans to bring about a change that will give the government a majority in the committee, thus effectively choosing who it wants to make a judge.&nbsp;
According to the Prime Minister, the country's Supreme Court no longer represents the Israeli citizens and has instead become an insular, elitist group, the CNN reported.&nbsp;
Netanyahu has cited the USA's example where lawmakers have a say in the appointment and approval of federal judges.&nbsp;
The second change troubling protestors is called the override clause. This allows the Israeli parliament to override Supreme Court rulings.
Third proposed change on the list restricts the Supreme Court's ability to overturn laws that it deems unfit or unnecessary.&nbsp;
The fourth reform which has been voted to law by the Knesset gives immunity to the sitting Prime Minister. The new law protects the Prime Minister from being deemed unfit to rule by limiting the reasons to physical or mental incapacity. It also makes it mandatory for the prime minister or two-thirds of the cabinet pass such an order.&nbsp;
Netanyahu, who is in the midst of his own corruption trial facing fraud, bribery charges as well as breach of trust, will be protected through the new bill, according to critics.&nbsp;
Opposition leaders also believe that the bill is a way to safeguard Netanyahu from being deemed unfit for office due to the trial.&nbsp;
Critics are also of the opinion that if the government has more power in choosing who is elected as judge, Netanyahu's supporters and allies will appoint those who will rule in the Prime Minister's favour in his ongoing trial.&nbsp; Netanyahu's corruption trial is also a reason, experts suggest, why the prime minister is hurrying to pass the bills.&nbsp;
WHAT DO THE PEOPLE HAVE TO SAY?&nbsp; &nbsp; According to critics, the proposed changes will completely destroy the only agency that can question the country's legislative branch, cautioning that it will vastly affect the judiciary's independence.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog had called for a halt to the reforms, 'For the sake of the unity of the people of Israel, for the sake of the necessary responsibility, I call on you to halt the legislative process immediately.'
The overhaul has sparked uproar in the country's business, financial, security and academic sectors.&nbsp;
The Israel Democracy Institute survey has also revealed that the reforms are supported by only a minority of Israelis while the vast majority want a compromise to be reached.&nbsp;
While 66% believe that the Supreme Court should hold the power to strike down laws almost 63% are okay with the current method of appointing judges.&nbsp;
&nbsp;

Six people, including three children, were killed in a shooting at the Covenant School in Nashville, Tennessee, on Monday morning.

US: 3 children among 6 killed in Nashville school shooting

Six people, including three children, were killed in a shooting at the Covenant School in Nashville, Tennessee, on Monday morning.

A female shooter wielding two 'assault-style' rifles and a pistol killed three students and three adults at a private Christian school in Nashville on Monday in the latest in a series of mass shootings in a country growing increasingly unnerved by bloodshed in schools.
Police said they believe the 28-year-old shooter was a former student at the school. Police shot and killed the suspected shooter. Investigators were searching the suspect's Nashville-area home, AP reported.
The victims were identified as Evelyn Dieckhaus, Hallie Scruggs, and William Kinney, all 9 years old, and adults Cynthia Peak, 61; Katherine Koonce, 60; and Mike Hill, 61.
Also Watch: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/world-news/israel-benjamin-netanyahu-announces-delay-in-judicial-overhaul-plans-following-months-of-unrest-1679967246060">Israel: Benjamin Netanyahu announces delay in judicial overhaul plans following months of unrest</a>

Netanyahu spoke after tens of thousands of people demonstrated outside the parliament building in Jerusalem.



Israel: Benjamin Netanyahu announces delay in judicial overhaul plans following months of unrest

Netanyahu spoke after tens of thousands of people demonstrated outside the parliament building in Jerusalem.

Following massive demonstrations and strikes by Israelis over the past three months, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on March 27, 2023 announced that he is ready to delay the government's judicial overhaul plans.&nbsp;
Flights had been disrupted, hospitals stopped non-emergency services, and even diplomats walked off the job.
After nearly three months of increasing tensions, Netanyahu said in a broadcast: "Out of a sense of national responsibility, out of a will to prevent a rupture among our people, I have decided to pause the second and third readings of the bill" to allow time for dialogue.
Netanyahu spoke after tens of thousands of people demonstrated outside the parliament building in Jerusalem.
The legislation will now be considered further in the next session of parliament, which begins in the second half of April, the prime minister said.
Also Watch: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/world-news/israeli-embassies-shut-down-across-the-world-following-strike-against-netanyahu-s-judicial-reform-plan-1679934156161">Israeli embassies shut down across the world following strike against Netanyahu's judicial reform plan</a>

The move to anoint the boy as the third highest lama is likely to irk China, which has maintained that it will only recognise Buddhist leaders chosen by its own government.

Dalai Lama names US-born Mongolian boy third highest leader in Buddhism: report

The move to anoint the boy as the third highest lama is likely to irk China, which has maintained that it will only recognise Buddhist leaders chosen by its own government.

An eight-year-old boy born in Mongolia but raised in the US has been named as the reincarnation of third most important spiritual leader in Tibetan Buddhism by the Dalai Lama.
As per a report published in the Times, the spiritual leader was seen pictured with the boy taking part in the ceremony in Dharamshala in Himachal Pradesh, recognising the boy as the 10th Khalkha Jetsun Dhampa Rinpoche.
The unveiling ceremony reportedly took place on March 8 in Dharamshala in the presence of close to 600 followers, the report added.

Officials of all Israeli missions in India and around the world will remain on strike until it is called off

Israeli embassies shut down across the world following strike against Netanyahu's judicial reform plan

Officials of all Israeli missions in India and around the world will remain on strike until it is called off

Israeli embassies, diplomatic missions worldwide have been shut down on March 27 following protests against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's judicial overhaul plan, media reports suggested.
According to Reuters, a letter, citing a nationwide strike in Israel declared by the Histadrut labour federation, said Foreign Ministry activities in the country and abroad would be limited to emergency services.
 Meanwhile, in India, the Israel embassy in Delhi has been instructed to remain closed and will provide no consular service until further notice.

At least 25 people were killed and dozens of others were injured after a massive storm ripped through several towns late Friday.

Mississippi storm: residents attempt to piece lives back together

Search and recovery crews resumed the daunting task of digging through flattened and battered homes, commercial buildings and municipal offices

At least 25 people were killed and dozens of others were injured after a massive storm ripped through several towns late Friday.

Search and recovery crews resumed the daunting task of digging through flattened and battered homes, commercial buildings and municipal offices on Sunday after a deadly tornado made its way through the US state of Mississippi.
At least 25 people were killed and dozens of others were injured after a massive storm ripped through several towns late Friday.
A man was also killed in Alabama after his trailer home flipped over several times.
The storm hit so quickly that the sheriff's department barely had time to set off warning sirens in the community of 2,000 residents, said Rolling Fork Mayor Eldridge Walker.
President Joe Biden issued an emergency declaration for Mississippi early on Sunday, making federal funding available to hardest-hit areas.
Also Watch: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/world-news/2-injured-in-shooting-at-california-gurudwara-not-hate-cime-cops-1679884138576">2 injured in shooting at California gurudwara, not hate crime: cops</a>

Isaac Herzog urged all the leaders in power to place country's citizens above all else

Israeli president urges Netanyahu to halt judicial overhaul after widespread protest

Israel’s president Isaac Herzog on Monday urged the government to immediately halt a contentious judicial overhaul

Isaac Herzog urged all the leaders in power to place country's citizens above all else

Israel&rsquo;s president Isaac Herzog on Monday urged the government to immediately halt a contentious judicial overhaul, warning that it has put the country's security, economy and society under threat, a day after prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu sacked his defence minister for opposing the move, sparking widespread street protests.
Herzog also called on the government to put aside political considerations for the sake of the nation "Last night we witnessed very difficult scenes. I appeal to the Prime Minister, members of the Government, and members of the Coalition: there are harsh and painful feelings. The entire nation is rapt with deep worry. Our security, economy, society &mdash; all are under threat. The whole people of Israel are looking at you. The whole Jewish People are looking at you. The whole world is looking at you", Herzog said in a statement.
"For the sake of the unity of the People of Israel, for the sake of the necessary responsibility, I call on you to halt the legislative process immediately," he emphasised.
He urged all the leaders in power to place country's citizens above all else.
Also Watch: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/world-news/israel-passes-law-protecting-netanyahu-as-protests-against-judicial-overhaul-continue-1679632269839">Israel passes law protecting Netanyahu as protests against judicial overhaul continue</a>
"I appeal to the leaders of all Knesset factions, Coalition and Opposition alike, to place this country's citizens above all else and to act with courage and responsibility without further delay. Wake up now! This is not a political moment; this is a moment for leadership and responsibility", the President asserted.
Demonstrators streamed into the streets last night after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu fired Defence Minister Yoav Gallant after the latter on Saturday evening said that the judicial overhaul "poses a clear, immediate, and tangible threat to the security of the state".
Irked by the televised speech given by Gallant, the PMO in a terse statement on Sunday evening said that "Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has decided, this evening (Sunday, 26 March 2023), to dismiss Defense Minister Yoav Gallant".
The announcement led to tens of thousands of Israelis pouring into the streets of cities across the country on Sunday night in a spontaneous unprecedented outburst of anger.

German unions are seeking a pay increase of at least 10.5 per cent

Strike over pay paralyses rail, air travel in Germany

Trains, planes and public transit systems stood still across much of Germany on Monday as labour unions called a major one-day strike

German unions are seeking a pay increase of at least 10.5 per cent

Trains, planes and public transit systems stood still across much of Germany on Monday as labour unions called a major one-day strike over salaries in an effort to win inflation-busting raises for their members.
The 24-hour walkout also affected cargo transport by rail and ship, as workers at the country's ports and waterways joined the strike.
Many commuters opted to drive, causing delays on the roads, while those who could worked from home.
Also Watch: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/world-news/germany-several-shot-dead-wounded-at-jehovah-s-witness-centre-in-hamburg-1678414962949">Germany: several shot dead, wounded at Jehovah's Witness centre in Hamburg</a>
Unions are seeking a pay increase of at least 10.5 per cent and have dismissed offers from employers of 5 per cent in two stages plus one-off payments.
Labour strikes are a regular occurrence in Germany and normally end in a compromise deal between unions and employers.
The walkout already caused disruption and delays Sunday, as travellers scrambled to reach their destinations early.&nbsp;

Planes will for the moment still be able to land at Ben-Gurion Airport

Flights from main Israel airport grounded as strike called

Israel's Airports Authority says departing flights from the country's main international airport have been grounded following a strike called in protest against the government's planned judicial overhaul.

Planes will for the moment still be able to land at Ben-Gurion Airport

Israel's Airports Authority says departing flights from the country's main international airport have been grounded following a strike called in protest against the government's planned judicial overhaul.
The strike was called on Monday by the country's largest trade union grouping and could paralyse large swaths of Israel's economy. Tens of thousands are expected to be affected by the flight changes.
Planes will for the moment still be able to land at Ben-Gurion Airport, outside the sprawling seaside metropolis of Tel Aviv.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's judicial overhaul has sparked unprecedented opposition from across Israeli society.
Also Watch: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/world-news/israeli-president-urges-netanyahu-to-halt-judicial-overhaul-after-widespread-protest-1679901991091">Israeli president urges Netanyahu to halt judicial overhaul after widespread protest</a>

Editorji is your personalised video news platform, we learn about your interests in order to show the news that matters to you! Watch it on your phone, tablet or TV.

ABOUT US

about us editorji

Latest Video News: Editorji provides the latest news video headlines, latest videos clip from India and the World. Get all breaking news videos on Entertainment, Business, Coronavirus, Elections, Politics and more.

Latest Video News, Breaking News, Bollywood, Political, Sports, Business News | Editorji

+91 11 4035 6666 / info@editorji.com
3rd floor, Plot B, Khasara no 360, Sultanpur, New Delhi, Delhi 110030
<a title="mail to us" href="mailto:info@editorji.com">Send Feedback</a>

REACH US

Contact for any questions, suggestions, comments, feedback or advertisement on Editorji.com, we are always looking forward to hearing from you.

Contact Us for Feedback, Suggestions and Advertising 

Avalanche in Sonamarg

Chinese President Xi Jinping to visit Russia after Putin's invitation

Chinese President Xi Jingping to visit Russia after Putin's invitation

According to a Kremlin statement, the two leaders will discuss "pressing issues related to the future of relations of comprehensive partnership and strategic interaction between Russia and China."
&nbsp;
&nbsp;

Chinese President Xi Jinping will travel to Russia on Monday to hold crucial talks with his counterpart Vladimir Putin, the foreign ministry announced on Friday, amid reports that Beijing plans to initiate peace talks to end the conflict in Ukraine.
Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hua Chunying in a brief announcement said, "at the invitation of President Vladimir Putin of the Russian Federation, President Xi Jinping will pay a state visit to Russia from March 20 to 22&rdquo;. No other details were given.
This will be Xi&rsquo;s first overseas trip after getting endorsed for an unprecedented third five-year term as the President and head of the military early this month by the National People&rsquo;s Congress (NPC).
According to a Kremlin statement, the two leaders will discuss "pressing issues related to the future of relations of comprehensive partnership and strategic interaction between Russia and China."
Also watch: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/india-news/politics/he-hasn-t-said-anything-he-should-apologise-for-shashi-tharoor-defends-rahul-gandhi-1679065500978">'Hasn't said anything he should apologise for': Shashi Tharoor defends Rahul Gandhi</a>

The revelation came following confusion about 28-year-old Hale's identity with officials referring to the accused as 'her' and 'she' while a LinkedIn profile reportedly identified Hale as a man. 


Nashville horror: cops identify shooter as transgender following confusion over suspect's identity

The revelation came following confusion about 28-year-old Hale's identity with officials referring to the accused as 'her' and 'she' while a LinkedIn profile reportedly identified Hale as a man.&nbsp;

Former student who opened fire at Nashville's The Covenant School killing six on March 27, was identified as a transgender whose name the police revealed was Audrey Hale.&nbsp;
The revelation come following confusion about 28-year-old Hale's identity with officials referring to the accused as 'her' and 'she' while a LinkedIn profile reportedly identified Hale as a man.&nbsp;
Officials further elaborated saying Hale left behind a manifesto, had maps of the school detailing surveillance and entry-exit points, and was "prepared for a confrontation with law enforcement.&nbsp;
In an interview with NBC News, the Nashville police chief said the suspect was likely plotting a broader attack, as the manifesto "indicates that there was going to be shootings at multiple locations, and the school was one of them."
Armed with at least two assault rifles and a handgun, Hale entered The Covenant School, a Christian academy, from a side entrance, allegedly shooting through a door -- firing multiple shots while advancing through the building, according to police.&nbsp;
with AFP inputs
Also Watch: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/world-news/israel-benjamin-netanyahu-announces-delay-in-judicial-overhaul-plans-following-months-of-unrest-1679967246060">Israel: Benjamin Netanyahu announces delay in judicial overhaul plans following months of unrest</a>

"We continue to highlight the importance of democratic principles and the protection of human rights including freedom of expression as a key to strengthening both our democracies," Vedant Patel said.

Watching Rahul Gandhi's court case: United States  

"We continue to highlight the importance of democratic principles and the protection of human rights including freedom of expression as a key to strengthening both our democracies," Vedant Patel said.

The United States is watching ongoing court cases of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, a US State Department Spokesperson said on 27 March 2023.
Responding to a question on Rahul's expulsion from the Lok Sabha, Vedant Patel said 'Respect for the rule of law and judicial independence is a cornerstone of any democracy, and we&rsquo;re watching Mr. Gandhi&rsquo;s case in Indian courts,'&nbsp;
The State Department Spokesperson said that the Biden administration engages with the Indian government on a shared commitment to democratic values, including of course freedom of expression.
&ldquo;The US engages with the government of India on our shared commitment to democratic values, including of course freedom of expression in our engagements with our Indian partners," he added.
&ldquo;We continue to highlight the importance of democratic principles and the protection of human rights including freedom of expression as a key to strengthening both our democracies," Vedant Patel said
Also Watch: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/world-news/us-3-children-among-6-killed-in-nashville-school-shooting-1679966182769">US: 3 children among 6 killed in Nashville school shooting</a>

It comes during the first week of Ramadan, a busy time for umrah pilgrimages, and just months before millions of Muslims are expected to make the annual hajj pilgrimage.

20 pilgrims killed following bus crash in Saudi Arabia

It comes during the first week of Ramadan, a busy time for umrah pilgrimages, and just months before millions of Muslims are expected to make the annual hajj pilgrimage.

A bus ferrying pilgrims to the holy city of Mecca burst into flames after a collision on a bridge on Monday, killing 20 people and injuring more than two dozen others, Saudi state media reported.
The incident in the southern province of Asir highlights persistent challenges to safely transporting worshippers to Mecca and Medina, the holiest cities in Islam.
It comes during the first week of Ramadan, a busy time for umrah pilgrimages, and just months before millions of Muslims are expected to make the annual hajj pilgrimage.
"According to preliminary information we have now received, the number of deaths in this accident reached 20, and the total number of injuries was approximately 29," the state-affiliated Al-Ekhbariya channel reported.
It said the victims had "different nationalities" but did not mention them or provide a breakdown.
The channel said the bus had "car trouble", without specifying, while the private newspaper Okaz said the accident resulted from an issue with the brakes.
The vehicle "then collided with a bridge, overturned and caught fire".
Footage broadcast on Al-Ekhbariya showed a reporter standing in front of what appeared to be the burnt-out shell of the bus.
Transporting worshippers around Saudi Arabia's holy sites is a perilous task, particularly during the hajj, when roads can be chaotic with buses creating interminable traffic jams.
In October 2019, some 35 foreigners were killed and four others injured when a bus collided with another heavy vehicle near Medina.
Also Watch: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/world-news/nashville-horror-cops-identify-shooter-as-transgender-following-confusion-over-suspect-s-identity-1679975436781">Nashville horror: cops identify shooter as transgender following confusion over suspect's identity</a>

It was after his bizarre ice cream joke that the US President finally addressed the shooting calling it 'sick' and 'heartbreaking'.  

Nashville Horror: President Joe Biden's untimely humour causes uproar on social media

It was after his bizarre ice cream joke that the US President finally addressed the shooting calling it 'sick' and 'heartbreaking'.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Users were not impressed when US President joked about ice cream moments before he gave a statement on the Nashville school shooting on March 27. Before beginning with his address on the horrific shooting, Biden said that he only made a public appearance because he heard there would be ice cream.
He began, 'My name is Joe Biden. I am Dr. Jill Biden's husband and I eat Jeni's ice cream - chocolate chip.' As he spoke, the room erupted in laughter.&nbsp;
Biden continued, 'I came down because I heard there was chocolate chip ice cream. By the way, I have a whole refrigerator full upstairs... You think I'm kidding? I'm not.'&nbsp;
It was after his bizarre ice cream joke that the US President finally addressed the shooting calling it 'sick' and 'heartbreaking'. He said that the incident is 'ripping the soul of this nation'.&nbsp;
Biden said, "It's just sick. You know, we're still gathering the facts of what happened and why. And we do know that, as of now, there are a number of people who are not going to, did not make it, including children. And it's heartbreaking. A family's worst nightmare."
Social media users expressed outrage over the President's light-hearted remarks amid a tragic incident.&nbsp;
One said, 'BREAKING: Fox News cuts to Joe Biden expecting him to speak on the Nashville shooting, instead finds him ranting about eating Jeni&rsquo;s chocolate chip ice cream.'&nbsp;
A journalist tweeted, 'Fox News cuts to Joe Biden because they were told he would address the school shooting that just happened off the top of his speech only to find Joe joking about ice cream and &ldquo;good looking kids&rdquo; in the crowd.'&nbsp;
While another user rained down heavily on the 80-year-old saying, 'After a radicalized transgender shot up a Christian school, killing innocent children &nbsp;- Joe Biden called a press conference and laughing it up with his propaganda press corp and talked about ice cream.'&nbsp;
'In case you needed a reminder, you&rsquo;re the President of the United States and you were at the podium to address a church and school shooting today. Instead of addressing the tragedy, you decided to talk about ICE CREAM&hellip; I have no further comment,' wrote another.&nbsp;
Also Watch: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/world-news/nashville-horror-cops-identify-shooter-as-transgender-following-confusion-over-suspect-s-identity-1679975436781">Nashville horror: cops identify shooter as transgender following confusion over suspect's identity</a>

Metropolitan Nashville Police Chief John Drake did not say exactly what drove the shooter to open fire Monday morning at The Covenant School before being killed by police.

Nashville school shooting: accused ex-student had detailed school map, 3 guns

The former student who killed three children and three adults had drawn a detailed map of the school, including potential entry points, and conducted surveillance of the building, according to the police. 

Metropolitan Nashville Police Chief John Drake did not say exactly what drove the shooter to open fire Monday morning at The Covenant School before being killed by police.

The former student who shot through the doors of a Christian elementary school in Nashville and killed three children and three adults had drawn a detailed map of the school, including potential entry points, and conducted surveillance of the building before carrying out the massacre.
Metropolitan Nashville Police Chief John Drake did not say exactly what drove the shooter to open fire Monday morning at The Covenant School before being killed by police. But he provided chilling examples of the shooter's elaborate planning for the targeted attack, the latest in a series of mass shootings in a country that has grown increasingly unnerved by bloodshed in schools.
&ldquo;We have a manifesto, we have some writings that we're going over that pertain to this date, the actual incident,&rdquo; he told reporters. &ldquo;We have a map drawn out of how this was all going to take place.&rdquo;
He said in an interview with NBC News that investigators believe the shooter had &ldquo;some resentment for having to go to that school.&rdquo; The victims included three 9-year-old children, the school's top administrator, a substitute teacher and a custodian. Amid the chaos a familiar ritual played out: Panicked parents rushed to the school to see if their children were safe and tearfully hugged their kids, and a stunned community held vigils for the victims.
Rachel Dibble, who was at a nearby church where children were taken to be reunited with their parents, described the scene as everyone being in &ldquo;complete shock.&rdquo; &ldquo;People were involuntarily trembling,&rdquo; she said.
&ldquo;The children &hellip; started their morning in their cute little uniforms, they probably had some Froot Loops and now their whole lives changed today.&rdquo; Police gave unclear information on the gender of the shooter. For hours, police identified the shooter as a 28-year-old woman and eventually identified the person as Audrey Elizabeth Hale.
Then at a late afternoon press conference, the police chief said that Hale was transgender.
After the news conference, police spokesperson Don Aaron declined to elaborate on how Hale currently identified.
Authorities said Hale was armed with two &ldquo;assault-style&rdquo; weapons as well as a handgun. At least two of them were believed to have been obtained legally in the Nashville area, according to the chief. Police said a search of Hale's home turned up a sawed-off shotgun, a second shotgun and other unspecified evidence.
The victims were identified as Evelyn Dieckhaus, Hallie Scruggs, and William Kinney, all 9 years old, and adults Cynthia Peak, 61; Katherine Koonce, 60; and Mike Hill, 61.

Highlights

Latest news

Chinese President Xi Jinping to visit Russia after Putin's invitation; leaders to hold 'crucial' talks

Up Next

More videos

Categories

Trending topics