Dozens of Tennesseans gathered outside the state capitol building in Nashville to protest against the state's lack of action on gun access reform after six people were killed in a shooting at The Covenant School. The alleged shooter was identified as Audrey Hale, a 28-year-old who legally purchased guns from five different locations. Despite over 50 bills being filed on firearms and ammunition, access to guns in Tennessee has been expanding, with Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti earlier this year allowing all adults to carry handguns without a permit or background check, and Republican lawmakers seeking to allow adults to carry any firearms without permits. Gun safety advocates have criticized lawmakers for delaying bills related to firearms in the wake of the deadliest school shooting in the state's history. Activists including Representatives John Ray Clemmons and Caleb Hemmer called for action, while some Republicans such as Representative Tim Burchett suggested that "criminals are going to be criminals" and shrugged off the need for change. As the debate over gun legislation remains contentious, Tennesseans continue to demand that lawmakers take action and protect their communities.