Covenant School released a statement Monday night: “We are grieving tremendous loss and are in shock coming out of the terror that shattered our church and school,” the statement read, in part. “We are focused on loving our students, our families, our faculty and staff and beginning the process of healing.”

A community is reeling after a shooter killed three children and three staff members at a small Christian school in Nashville, Tennessee, on Monday.

Metro Nashville Police reportedly first received calls about an active shooter at 10:13 a.m. CT. The shooter, who entered the school by shooting through a side entrance on the first floor, was carrying at least two assault-type rifles and a pistol, according to police spokesperson Don Aaron.

Police heard gunshots and engaged the shooter, initially identified as a 28-year-old Nashville woman, on the second floor. Police shot and killed the assailant. “By 10:27, the shooter was deceased,” Aaron said.

Three of the victims were pupils, all aged nine, at Covenant School, a privately run Christian school affiliated with Covenant Presbyterian Church, a Presbyterian Church in America congregation.

The shooter has been identified as 28-year-old man, Audrey Hale, who identified as a transgender woman. A police spokesman has since said that Hale “is a biological woman who, on a social media profile, used male pronouns.”

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Editor’s Note: Here are the names of those who were shot and killed.

Hallie Scruggs 9-year-old, daughter of Chad Scruggs (Pastor of Covenant Presbyterian Church) and his wife Jada.

Evelyn Dieckhaus, age 9, was in the third grade at the Covenant School.

William Kinney, age 9, was in the third grade at the Covenant School.

Dr. Katherine Koonce, age 60, is described by one parent as a “saint;” principal of Covenant School

Cynthia Peak, age 61, was a substitute teacher working at the school on the day of the attack.

Michael Hill, age 61, was a custodian at the school.

Chad and Jada Scruggs and Family