NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Family members of the victims tragically killed in a Nashville school shooting have taken a stand against a Tennessee state senator by filing an ethics complaint. The senator in question, Todd Gardenhire, has faced criticism for his actions related to the release of the shooter’s writings and legislation that could impact third parties seeking to intervene in public records lawsuits.
Last year, Sen. Gardenhire and others submitted open records requests to obtain journals and other materials gathered by Metro Nashville Police during their investigation into the shooting. However, access to these documents was denied, leading them to file a lawsuit to compel the release of the records. Despite arguments that there is no ongoing investigation as the shooter is deceased and no further prosecutions are taking place, legal complexities have arisen regarding who can participate in the lawsuit.
In response to attempts by Covenant parents, the Covenant School, and the Covenant Presbyterian Church to intervene in the case, the court eventually granted them that right. The school and church aim to safeguard sensitive information that could compromise the security of the premises, while parents oppose the release of any documents that could potentially retraumatize their children or incite similar acts of violence.
Amid the legal dispute, Gardenhire introduced a bill this year prohibiting non-governmental third parties from intervening in public records lawsuits. Critics argue that this legislation could limit access to essential information and diminish the ability of affected individuals to seek justice. Despite concerns raised by a victim’s rights group, the bill passed the Senate without significant debate or opposition and is now pending review by the House of Representatives.
The ethical complaint against Gardenhire alleges that he exploited his position as a State Senator to push through legislation that favors his personal interests and obstructs opposing parties. While the Senator declined to comment on the matter, the Senate Ethics Committee faces the task of determining whether to address the complaint during the current legislative session, a decision that could have significant implications.