Lauren Daigle performs onstage during the 2019 Billboard Music Awards at MGM Grand Garden Arena on May 1, 2019, in Las Vegas, Nevada. | Ethan Miller/Getty Images
The recent Covenant School shooting in Nashville has left the community devastated, but it has also brought people together in a powerful display of unity and resilience. Christian musician Lauren Daigle, known for her soul-stirring music, made a heartfelt decision to cancel her album preview concert and instead organize a community-wide Prayer Vigil to honor the lives lost in this tragic event.
The victims, three children, and three staff members, are remembered as Hallie Scruggs, 9; William Kenney, 9; Evelyn Dieckhaus, 9; Katherine Koonce, 60; Cynthia Peak, 61; and Mike Hill, 61. Their lives will forever be cherished by their families and the Nashville community.
Lauren Daigle took to her Instagram to express her sorrow and announce the cancellation of her performance. She wrote, “[Monday’s] shooting is truly heartbreaking for our Nashville community and all of those impacted,” emphasizing the profound impact of the tragedy. With empathy and compassion, she declared her decision to host a community-wide Prayer Vigil instead, urging everyone to join in prayer and worship to honor the victims and support those in need.
This unexpected change of plans allowed Marathon Music Works, the venue for Daigle’s concert, to open its doors for a free-for-all prayer vigil. The Nashville community gathered, showing solidarity with the grieving families and spreading hope in the midst of darkness.
A Community United
A Tragic Incident
The assailant, Audrey Hale, who identified as male despite being a 28-year-old biological female, was armed with two semi-automatic long guns, a pistol, and tactical gear. The shooting lasted for only 14 minutes before police intervened, resulting in Hale’s death. The investigation revealed a detailed manifesto and a plan for the shooting. Police believe Hale targeted random individuals within the school, seemingly motivated by a deep-seated resentment towards the institution.
Prayers for Healing
Missionary Britney Grayson, a pediatric doctor based in Kenya, was a guest speaker at The Covenant School shortly before the tragic event unfolded. Grayson shared a poignant image on social media, capturing the students listening attentively to her talk, completely unaware of the imminent tragedy. The children had spent the morning learning the song “Amazing Grace” in the school’s chapel, preparing to sing it for Grandparents Day.
Grayson’s post conveyed a profound sense of guilt and helplessness, questioning whether she could have made a difference if she had stayed a few minutes longer. She urged everyone to pray for the wounded and the medical professionals caring for them, emphasizing the long-lasting emotional impact on the young survivors.
In the face of adversity, the Nashville community has come together to support one another, demonstrating resilience, love, and compassion. The cancellation of Lauren Daigle’s concert, though disappointing for her fans, has become an opportunity to stand in unity and prayer. This devastating event serves as a reminder of the importance of cherishing and nurturing our communities, holding onto hope even in the darkest moments.
Please continue to support the healing process by attending the rescheduled concert on April 5, where Daigle will offer a preview of her highly anticipated self-titled album. Let us honor the lives lost and show our unwavering support for the Nashville community during this time of healing.
