NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) - Nashville Mayor Freddie O'Connell has announced the initiation of an investigation following the release of alleged writings by the shooter of The Covenant School. The writings were made public on Monday morning by conservative talk radio host Steven Crowder.

Mayor O'Connell has directed Metro Law Director Wally Dietz to lead the investigation into the leak of these documents. The investigation may involve local, state, and federal authorities as they determine how the images were released. The mayor expressed deep concern for the safety, security, and well-being of the Covenant families and the entire Nashville community, particularly those who are grieving.

In response to Mayor O'Connell's request, Dietz released a statement acknowledging the limited information available regarding the document leak. Due to an existing lawsuit, Dietz neither confirmed nor denied the authenticity of the leaked documents. He confirmed that his department will be initiating a full investigation in collaboration with multiple law enforcement agencies to ascertain the details surrounding the release.

While the investigation is ongoing, the mayor's office, however, could not independently verify the authenticity of the images released, noting that they may or may not belong to the shooter.

Earlier on Monday, conservative political commentator Steven Crowder, host of "Lowder with Crowder," claimed responsibility for releasing the alleged writings. He shared three photos of handwritten notes, asserting that they belonged to the shooter from The Covenant School.

The Metro Nashville Police Department has acknowledged the tweets and phone calls they have received related to the alleged writings. However, they have not confirmed the legitimacy of these documents.

David Raybin, the attorney representing Audrey Hale's parents, the shooter of Covenant School, stated that they could not authenticate the writings. Raybin emphasized that they had never seen a manifesto, and they did not release any documents related to the case. He refrained from providing further comment on the matter.

The Ingram Group, representing some of the Covenant School families, acknowledged the claims made by Crowder but disclosed that they have no comment at this time.

The mayor's office highlighted the emotional trauma that this incident has brought upon the community and encouraged individuals in need of support to reach out to professionals at the National Alliance on Mental Illness, MNPD support counselors, or the MNPS Family Information Center.

As the investigation continues, authorities will determine the origin and authenticity of the alleged writings, providing clarity to the grieving Covenant families and the Nashville community at large.