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Tennessee Judge Challenges Journalist Over Leaked Shooter Documents

Legal battle intensifies as journalist faces potential jail time for publishing excerpts from Nashville shooter's writings.

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Chancellor I'Ashea Myles talks to attorney Rick Hollow during the show cause hearing over the release of documents related to the Covenant School shooting at the Historic Metro Courthouse in Nashville, Tenn., Tuesday, April 16, 2024.
Nashville Shooting
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Overview

  • Michael Patrick Leahy, editor of The Tennessee Star, ordered to court for reporting on the Nashville shooter's manifesto.
  • Judge l'Ashea Myles questions whether publishing the documents violated court orders, despite not linking to the actual files.
  • Leahy and his publication argue the hearing infringes on First Amendment rights and Tennessee's shield law protecting journalistic sources.
  • The FBI and local police have resisted releasing the shooter's writings, citing ongoing investigations and potential public harm.
  • The case has drawn national attention, with legal experts and lawmakers debating the implications for press freedom and government transparency.