The FBI’s refusal to release the Covenant School shooter’s manifesto for over a year has raised concerns about government transparency. After a legal battle, the manifesto was finally released by the Tennessee Star, prompting criticism of both the FBI and local authorities.
Michael Patrick Leahy, CEO of the Tennessee Star, has been at the forefront of the fight to release the manifesto. He explained that the FBI and the Metro Nashville Police Department continually obstructed efforts to make the information public, citing an ongoing investigation. However, the investigation was supposed to conclude by June 2024, yet no further updates were provided by September.
Leahy argued that these delays were deliberate efforts to prevent the release of information that could be crucial to understanding the motive behind the shooting. The manifesto reveals that Audrey Hale had been under psychiatric care for more than 20 years and was prescribed strong psychiatric drugs.
Leahy emphasized the importance of the public understanding the true cause of these violent acts. “This is a matter of public interest,” he said, arguing that the real issue lies with the mental health system’s failure to properly treat individuals like Hale. He also criticized the national debate’s focus on gun control instead of addressing untreated mental illness and the overuse of psychiatric drugs.
The FBI’s reluctance to release the manifesto raises important questions about its commitment to serving the public’s interest. Many believe that government agencies should not withhold information that could help address critical issues like mental health and public safety.
