In a recent development of the ongoing investigation into the leak of The Covenant School shooter's documents, the Metro Nashville Police Department (MNPD) has announced that seven officers have been placed on administrative assignment. The move, which does not carry any punitive actions, is aimed at safeguarding the integrity of the investigation, while ensuring that the officers maintain full police power.

The leak came to light on Monday, November 6, when three images of the shooter's documents were released on a talk show that was streamed online. These documents, which have not been made available to the public since the tragic incident on March 27, resulted in the death of three adults and three children, before the shooter was fatally shot by the police.

The administrative assignment status, as defined in the MNPD manual, allows employees to be absent from their normal assigned duty and remain readily available to assist investigators. It is frequently implemented in cases involving officers who have been involved in a use of force incident that is under investigation.

The investigation centers around the unauthorized release of three images from the Covenant school shooter's writings, which are currently part of a pending lawsuit involving five different parties. Nashville Mayor Freddie O'Connell expressed deep concern over this breach and instructed Wally Dietz, Metro's Law Director, to initiate an investigation into how the images were released. The investigation may involve local, state, and federal authorities.

Metro Nashville Police Chief John Drake previously stated that the department would release The Covenant School shooter documents if court-ordered. However, MNPD officers involved in the lawsuit have mentioned that it could take up to a year to analyze all of the shooter's writings. The court recently granted motions allowing The Covenant School, Covenant Presbyterian Church, and affected families to participate in the legal discussion over the release of the documents, although they will not have the final decision-making authority.

The leaked images portray a gloved hand holding the shooter's notebook, along with a Metro Nashville Police SUV in the background. In addition, two images depict notebook paper titled "Death Day," potentially indicating a schedule for the shooter, although the times mentioned do not match the actual events of March 27.

Metro Legal Attorney Wally Dietz expressed limited information about the leak and stated that a full investigation involving multiple law enforcement agencies is being initiated to determine the circumstances surrounding the unauthorized release.

Metro Police have confirmed the existence of several journals written by the shooter, detailing plans for the tragic shooting. These writings remain in the possession of the Metro Nashville Police Department.

Meanwhile, a three-judge panel in the appeals court is currently deliberating whether Covenant parents should have a say in the case, marking the latest stage in the ongoing legal proceedings.

As the investigation unfolds, authorities are determined to uncover the truth behind the leak and ensure justice for the victims of The Covenant School shooting.