Man Charged In Alleged Threat Against Journalist Seeking Audrey Hale's Manifesto

CEO Of The Star News Network, Michael Patrick Leahy, Is Involved In A Public Records Lawsuit To Release The Manifesto Of The Nashville School Shooter.

A Tennessee man faces charges related to a threat directed at Michael Patrick Leahy, a conservative journalist and talk radio show host. The threat was made in connection with Leahy's legal action to obtain the manifesto of the Nashville school shooter. Allegedly, the man told Leahy, "I am prepared to go to prison to put an end to you."

In an email, Michael Alonzo Rouse, the individual charged with the death threat, expressed his aggressive sentiments towards Michael Patrick Leahy and his involvement in the lawsuit: "If it were not illegal to beat your ass up ... I'd have done it months ago. You dirty potato eating Mick. If I see you on the street ... I'm going to end your conservative slant eye ass." Rouse further conveyed his determination, stating, "I'm willing to go to prison to end you. You dirty drug addict eyed Irish fool. You either end your talk show or I'll end your life in real time while you do it. You have no right to the manifesto of Audrey Hale and you just want content by obtaining it."

The concluding line of the email carried a chilling warning: “Send the authorities. You'd better if you still want to live, Leahy.”

The Williamson County Sheriff’s Office corroborated the seriousness of the situation. A misdemeanor summons for harassment was officially issued for Rouse on July 10. Subsequently, an arrest warrant was issued on the next day for aggravated stalking, which escalates to a felony charge when the victim is over the age of 65. The authorities wasted no time in apprehending Rouse, as he was arrested on the evening of July 11 and now faces charges in connection with the alleged crimes.

Since the mass shooting incident, journalists and concerned individuals have been attempting to obtain the manifesto and associated documents from the authorities to gain further insight into the tragedy.

In early April, authorities revealed that Audrey Hale's vehicle in the school parking lot contained collective writings, and additional journals were discovered in her bedroom at home. These writings detailed her extensive planning over several months to carry out the mass murder at The Covenant School.

Despite public interest and media requests, both the FBI and Nashville police have withheld the release of the writings, citing an ongoing investigation that may extend up to a year. However, local law enforcement has asserted that Hale acted alone in the incident.

Beyond the law enforcement agencies, other parties have also worked to prevent the documents' release. The Covenant Presbyterian Church, which oversees the school, the school itself, and a group of unspecified parents have sought to block the public disclosure of these documents. Their efforts have further complicated the situation surrounding the tragedy and the public's access to critical information.

The group seeking access to the manifesto and related documents includes parents of the children who tragically lost their lives in the incident. One grieving mother conveyed her anguish in a court filing, accusing the petitioners of lacking respect and empathy for her family and the hundreds of surviving trauma victims from The Covenant School. She expressed concern that the petitioners were shamefully denying the victims' suffering while attempting to publish and profit from the disturbing writings of the individual responsible for the heinous act.

Additionally, four Nashville private schools have expressed their intent to submit amicus briefs in support of the case. They argue that the disclosure of the sought-after documents could significantly impact the safety and security of their own schools.

Hale's parents, Ronald and Norma Hale, have asserted their claim of intestate possession over their daughter's documents. They argue that they possess the right to provide ownership of the materials to any party they see fit, and they intend to give those materials to the children who attended The Covenant School. However, it's important to note that making Hale's manifesto public could potentially lead to legal repercussions, as highlighted by Deborah Fisher, the executive director of the Tennessee Coalition for Open Government.

Moreover, the Tennessee Firearms Association and the National Police Association have joined the lawsuit against the Metro Nashville Police Department, aligning themselves with the effort to secure the release of the manifesto and related records. The case involves multiple parties, each with their distinct perspectives and interests, making it a complex and sensitive legal matter.

According to John Harris, the executive director of the Tennessee Firearms Association, who spoke with The Tennessee Star, a subsidiary of The Star News Network, state public records law stipulates that documents held by government entities should be accessible to the public.

During a conversation with Leahy on Tuesday, Harris indicated that the lawsuit might extend until 2026, contingent on the course of appeals and legal proceedings.