III 

118TH CONGRESS 

1ST SESSION S. RES. 127 

Condemning the horrific school shooting at The Covenant School in Nashville, 

Tennessee, as a hate crime, and recognizing the victims and expressing 

condolences to their families. 

IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES 

MARCH 28, 2023 

Mr. HAWLEY submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the 

Committee on the Judiciary 

RESOLUTION 

Condemning the horrific school shooting at The Covenant 

School in Nashville, Tennessee, as a hate crime, and 

recognizing the victims and expressing condolences to 

their families. 

Whereas, on March 27, 2023, a deranged individual tragically 

and violently opened fire at The Covenant School, a religious institution in Nashville, Tennessee, that is part of 

the Covenant Presbyterian Church; 

Whereas this heinous act resulted in the death of 3 innocent 

students, namely Evelyn Dieckhaus, Hallie Scruggs, and 

William Kinney; 

Whereas 3 dedicated school employees, Cynthia Peak, Katherine Koonce, and Michael Hill, also tragically lost their 

lives in the line of duty; 


pbinns on DSKJLVW7X2PROD with $$_JOB
2 

•SRES 127 IS 

Whereas Federal law explicitly prohibits violence against people of the United States on the basis of religious affiliation or belief; 

Whereas this reprehensible act of violence targeted a Christian institution, its students, and its employees; 

Whereas the Senate acknowledges and honors the bravery 

and sacrifice of the first responders, law enforcement officers, and medical personnel who responded to this tragic event; 

Whereas the Senate extends its deepest condolences to the 

families, friends, and loved ones of the victims and the 

entire community of The Covenant School; and 

Whereas the Senate recognizes that the United States must 

continue to work to prevent hate crimes, protect religious 

liberties, and ensure the safety and security of all people 

of the United States: Now, therefore, be it 

1 Resolved, That the Senate— 

2 (1) strongly condemns the horrific act of vio3 lence that occurred at The Covenant School in 

4 Nashville, Tennessee, on March 27, 2023, and rec5 ognizes it as a hate crime targeting Christians; 

6 (2) honors the memory of the victims, Evelyn 

7 Dieckhaus, Hallie Scruggs, William Kinney, Cynthia 

8 Peak, Katherine Koonce, and Michael Hill, and ex9 tends its heartfelt condolences to their families, 

10 friends, and the entire community of The Covenant 

11 School; 


pbinns on DSKJLVW7X2PROD with $$_JOB
3 

•SRES 127 IS 

1 (3) expresses gratitude and appreciation for the 

2 bravery and selflessness displayed by the first re3 sponders, law enforcement officers, and medical per4 sonnel who responded to the tragic event; 

5 (4) calls on all people of the United States— 

6 (A) to unite in the face of such hatred and 

7 violence; and 

8 (B) to stand in solidarity with those who 

9 have been affected by this tragedy; 

10 (5) condemns hateful rhetoric that leads to vio11 lence; and 

12 (6) reaffirms its commitment to uphold the val13 ues of tolerance, religious freedom, and justice for 

14 all, as enshrined in the Constitution of the United 

15 States. 

Æ 


pbinns on DSKJLVW7X2PROD with $$_JOB