NASHVILLE, Tenn. — An AI-driven weapon detection system in use at Antioch High School missed detecting the gun used by the suspect in a shooting incident on Wednesday that resulted in the death of a 16-year-old female student, as reported by a representative from the Nashville school district.

The detection software, called Omnilert, is designed to enhance the surveillance systems across all Metro Nashville Public Schools. The school district invested over $1 million in this technology after the school board sanctioned a contract in February 2023.

“In this case, due to the shooter’s location and the way the weapon was positioned, the system did not activate,” explained Sean Braisted, a spokesperson for Metro Nashville Public Schools, during an interview with The Tennessean, which is part of the YSL News Network.

However, he noted that the system was triggered when armed police officers arrived on the scene.

The shooting resulted in the death of Josselin Corea Escalante, 16, while a 17-year-old was injured by a bullet that grazed him. Reports indicate that the suspected shooter, 17-year-old Solomon Henderson, took his own life afterward, according to police.

The investigation into the shooting is ongoing.

Metro Nashville Police Department official John Drake confirmed that the suspected shooter was a student at Antioch High School and that he took the bus to school that Wednesday morning. He proceeded to the cafeteria, where he confronted and shot Escalante before firing several additional rounds and ultimately shooting himself, Drake reported.

‘Dedicated to uncovering the causes and preventive measures’

Metro Nashville Public Schools Director Adrienne Battle stated on Wednesday that Antioch High School has various safety protocols, including school resource officers, a secured entrance, and surveillance cameras equipped with weapon detection software.

She commended the school staff, particularly the resource officers, who promptly responded to the cafeteria when the shooting started.

“While our immediate focus has been on responding to the current situation, we are also dedicated to understanding how and why this tragedy occurred and identifying additional measures to prevent similar events in the future,” Battle said in a statement sent via email on Wednesday. “It’s crucial to remember that our schools have historically served as safe environments for learning, friendship, and development. We must not let this tragedy overshadow the positive experiences of our 80,000 students.”

Antioch High School will remain closed for the remainder of the week. Meanwhile, all other schools in the district will continue to operate, with school counselors available to offer support.