Current:Home > Contact"Heartbroken" Shawn Johnson East Shares Her Kids Were on Lockdown Due to Nashville School Shooting -Ascend Finance Compass
"Heartbroken" Shawn Johnson East Shares Her Kids Were on Lockdown Due to Nashville School Shooting
SafeX Pro Exchange View
Date:2025-04-09 22:36:37
Shawn Johnson East provided an update on her family's safety following The Covenant School shooting.
The Olympic gymnast, who shares 3-year-old daughter Drew Hazel and 20-month-old son Jett James with husband Andrew East, said that her children's school took security measures after learning of the shooting at The Covenant School in Nashville.
"I haven't been able to catch my breath since reading the news and getting a call from our school that they were on lockdown as well given the news," Shawn wrote on her March 27 Instagram Story. "Shaking. Crying. Heartbroken. Horrific."
Shawn went on to note that her children are now back home, and that she is thinking of the lives impacted.
"I feel lucky and blessed but still so incredibly sad. No parent or family should ever have to deal with this," Shawn continued. "I've seen childrens ambulances, countless police cars, buses of children being transported to safety, parents flying down the street laying on their horns, people sprinting in and out of churches and schools looking for their kids. Today has changed me."
Shawn also shared footage of herself holding her children "when Andrew got our babies home." As seen in videos on her Instagram Story, Shawn had tears streaming down her face while holding her daughter and son. She noted, "Can't stop crying."
Per NBC News, authorities say three nine-year-old children—Evelyn Dieckhaus, Hallie Scruggs and William Kinney—and three staff members—Cynthia Peak, 61, Katherine Koonce, 60, and Mike Hill, 61—were killed on March 27 during a shooting at The Covenant School, a private Christian school in Nashville that serves preschool students through sixth graders.
Metropolitan Nashville Police Chief John Drake said the shooter was a former student of the school, according to the outlet. Law enforcement officials said that the shooter was killed by police at the scene.
NBC News added that police spokesperson Don Aaron told reporters the attacker entered the institution through a "side entrance" on the first floor.
Shawn is not the only public figure with a residence in Nashville who spoke out on how the tragedy hits close to home. Jana Kramer, who shares children children Jolie, 7, and Jace, 4, with ex-husband Mike Caussin, took to her social media to let others know her children are safe.
"Jolie and Jace are okay. My heart is absolutely breaking for the children and families right now," Jana wrote on her March 27 Instagram Story, before writing in a follow-up Story post, "It wasn't their school. I know someone that works there though and we have friends that have kids there. We shouldn't have to fear dropping our kids of at school and fearing them not coming home."
Meanwhile, Jessie James Decker, who shares kids Vivianne, 9, Eric Jr., 7, and Forrest, 4 with husband Eric Decker shared a tearful video on the matter.
"It's not my kids' school. But it's only two miles up the road," Jessie said through tears on her IG Story. "It is just awful. I'm just heartbroken for these families. This just should not be happening. I went and picked the kids up immediately and they're home safe."
Kristin Cavallari, who is mom to kids Camden, 10, Jaxon, 8, and Saylor, 7, with ex Jay Cutler, also penned a message in reflection following the news: "Wanting to hug my babies a little bit tighter. We luckily weren't affected by this mornings shooting."
For the latest breaking news updates, click here to download the E! News AppveryGood! (7191)
Related
- Highlights from Trump’s interview with Time magazine
- Cooper Flagg stats: How did Duke freshman phenom do in his college basketball debut?
- Prince's Sister Tyka Nelson Dead at 64
- Democrats in Ohio defending 3 key seats in fight for control of US House
- Pressure on a veteran and senator shows what’s next for those who oppose Trump
- Taylor Swift's Brother Austin Swift Stops Fan From Being Kicked Out of Eras Tour
- NASA video shows 2 galaxies forming 'blood-soaked eyes' figure in space
- MLB free agent rankings: Soto, Snell lead top 120 players for 2024-2025
- IRS recovers $4.7 billion in back taxes and braces for cuts with Trump and GOP in power
- North Dakota measures would end local property taxes and legalize recreational marijuana
Ranking
- A South Texas lawmaker’s 15
- Casey and McCormick square off in Pennsylvania race that could determine Senate control
- Sean 'Diddy' Combs' attorneys seek gag order after 'outrageous' claims from witness
- Ariana Grande Responds to Fan Criticism Over Her Wicked Casting
- South Korean president's party divided over defiant martial law speech
- Kirk Herbstreit calls dog's cancer battle 'one of the hardest things I've gone through'
- Ready to spend retirement savings? What to know about a formula for safe withdrawals
- US Rep. Lauren Boebert will find out whether switching races worked in Colorado
Recommendation
Apple iOS 18.2: What to know about top features, including Genmoji, AI updates
Charges against South Carolina women's basketball's Ashlyn Watkins dismissed
The top US House races in Oregon garnering national attention
A History of Presidential Pets Who Lived in the Lap of Luxury at the White House
Macy's says employee who allegedly hid $150 million in expenses had no major 'impact'
Sean 'Diddy' Combs' attorneys seek gag order after 'outrageous' claims from witness
Marshon Lattimore trade grades: Did Commanders or Saints win deal for CB?
Abortion and open primaries are on the ballot in Nevada. What to know about the key 2024 measures