Nashville, Tenn. — Prosecutors released security video and new details Monday from the fatal Oct. 8 shooting at the Fred D. Thompson Federal Courthouse in downtown Nashville, where a security officer shot an armed man at the entrance checkpoint.
A joint release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Tennessee and the District Attorney General says Jack Gregory Henson II entered the courthouse at about 9:30 a.m. Oct. 8 and displayed a firearm and knife at the security checkpoint.
Prosecutors say Henson pointed the weapons toward security officers, then quickly advanced toward one officer with the knife extended, getting close enough to strike. The security officer fired to stop the threat. A security recording shows Henson displaying a revolver and knife, pointing both at officers and approaching one officer with his arms extended and the knife out.
The firearm was identified as a North American Arms .22-caliber revolver purchased from a licensed dealer in North Carolina in February 2022. Officials said the gun was loaded and had a spent casing in its cylinder, but investigators do not believe Henson fired the weapon inside the courthouse.
U.S. Marshals personnel began lifesaving efforts before emergency crews arrived. Henson was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead. No one else was injured, and officials say he did not get past the security checkpoint.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation is continuing its investigation. The joint release says officials will not provide further comment until the TBI investigation is complete. Authorities previously said Henson was not at the courthouse for a hearing, and his motive remains unknown. The TBI is collecting evidence and interviewing witnesses, with findings to go to the district attorney for review.
