Who is Solomon Henderson? Nashville School Shooter Praised Hitler in Manifesto
On January 22, 2025, Henderson fatally shot his classmate, 16-year-old Josselin Corea Escalante, and wounded another student before taking his own life. Investigations have since revealed a deeply troubled individual influenced by extremist ideologies.
The Day of the TragedyOn the morning of January 22, 2025, Solomon arrived at Antioch High School armed with a 9mm Taurus G2C semi-automatic pistol. He entered the cafeteria and, following a confrontation, opened fire, killing Josselin Corea Escalante and injuring another student. The incident was partially livestreamed on the platform Kick, adding a chilling dimension to the tragedy. |
 |
| Nashville School Shooter Praised Hitler, Said He Was ‘Influenced’ by Candace Owens in Purported Manifesto |
Early Life and Family Background
Born in 2007, Solomon Henderson was the youngest of three children in a working-class African American family in Nashville. His father, Darnell Henderson, worked as a delivery driver, while his mother, Alisha Henderson, served as a nurse at a local clinic. Despite financial challenges, the Hendersons were committed to providing a stable environment for their children.
From a young age, Solomon exhibited introverted tendencies. Family friends described him as "bright but reserved," noting his preference for solitude over social interactions. His siblings, Marcus and Danielle, were more outgoing and engaged in community activities, highlighting a stark contrast within the family dynamics.
Academic Journey and Social Struggles
At Antioch High School, Solomon initially demonstrated academic promise, particularly in history and technology. However, as he progressed through his teenage years, teachers observed a decline in his engagement and performance. Reports indicate that he faced bullying, which exacerbated his sense of isolation. Classmates recalled him as a quiet individual who occasionally displayed unexpected outbursts of anger.
Solomon's involvement in the school's Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) program was notable. Peers described him as a dedicated cadet, and he was recognized as a top student within the program. Despite this, his social interactions remained limited, and he struggled to form meaningful connections.
Descent into Online Radicalization
Investigations into Solomon's online activities have uncovered a disturbing pattern of engagement with extremist content. Authorities discovered a 300-page manifesto containing neo-Nazi and white supremacist ideologies, despite Solomon's own racial background. He expressed admiration for Adolf Hitler and other mass shooters, indicating a deep internal conflict and self-loathing.
Further analysis revealed that Solomon had been active in online forums associated with the "incel" (involuntary celibate) community and white supremacist groups. The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) described him as a "self-loathing incel," highlighting his internalized racism and extremist beliefs.
Notably, Solomon had communicated with Natalie Rupnow, a 15-year-old responsible for a school shooting in Wisconsin the previous month. This connection underscores the influence of online networks in fostering extremist behaviors among isolated individuals.
 |
| Solomon Henderson - Nashville school shooter praised Hitler in manifesto |
Mental Health and Manifesto Insights
Solomon's writings provide a window into his deteriorating mental state. He frequently expressed shame about his racial identity, referring to himself in derogatory terms. Licensed social worker Shari Botwin noted that Solomon's desperation to fit in and his self-hatred were significant factors in his radicalization. Botwin drew parallels between Solomon and other school shooters, emphasizing the role of mental health in such tragedies.
The manifesto also revealed Solomon's admiration for far-right media personality Candace Owens. He credited her with influencing his beliefs, stating that her insights "helped push [him] further and further into the belief of violence over the Jewish question." This highlights the potential impact of public figures on vulnerable individuals.
Community Response and ReflectionThe Nashville community has been left in shock and mourning. Vigils have been held to honor the victims, and discussions have intensified regarding mental health support and the influence of online radicalization. Authorities are investigating how Solomon obtained the firearm and the extent of his online interactions. This incident has reignited debates about gun control and the importance of monitoring online spaces to prevent the spread of extremist ideologies. It also underscores the need for accessible mental health resources, especially for young individuals grappling with identity and belonging. |
In Conclusion
The story of Solomon Henderson is a tragic example of how isolation, mental health struggles, and exposure to extremist ideologies can culminate in devastating actions. As the community seeks to heal, there is a collective call to address the underlying issues that contribute to such tragedies, ensuring that support systems are in place to prevent future occurrences.
 10 Facts & Rumors About Natalie Rupnow - Madison School Shooter This article aims to separate facts from fiction, providing a clear, evidence-based understanding of what is known about Natalie Rupnow, her background, and the tragic ... |
 What is the Origin of the Handgun Used by Natalie Rupnow? Tracing the Origin of a Handgun: How Police and ATF Are Investigating the Madison School Shooting |
 Wisconsin School Shooter Had 2 Handguns The 15-year-old shooter responsible for the deadly attack at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison, Wisconsin, carried two handguns into the school but used only ... |
 What is TikTok Account of School Shooter Natalie Rupnow A TikTok account allegedly linked to Wisconsin school shooter Natalie Rupnow was reportedly removed following a surge of complaints. |
