The gun-filled Christmas family photo of Rep. Andy Ogles (R-Tenn.) resurfaced on Monday after six people, including three children, were killed in a school shooting in his Nashville district.
In the 2021 photo Ogles, his wife and two children, stood smiling in front of a Christmas tree while holding firearms.
“MERRY CHRISTMAS! The Ogles Family,” the post reads, adding in quotes: “The very atmosphere of firearms anywhere and everywhere restrains evil interference – they deserve a place of honor with all that’s good.”
On Monday, Audrey Hale, 28, murdered six people at the Covenant School in the district Ogles represent, before she was killed by police. The victims were identified as Evelyn Dieckhaus, Hallie Scruggs and William Kinney, all 9 years old; Cynthia Peak, 61, Katherine Koonce, 60, and Mike Hill, 61.
Ogles later put out a statement sending “thoughts and prayers” to the victims’ familes.
“My family and I are devastated by the tragedy that took place at The Covenant School in Nashville this morning. We are sending our thoughts and prayers to the families of those lost,” Ogles wrote. “As a father of three, I am utterly heartbroken by this senseless act of violence. I am closely monitoring the situation and working with local officials. Thank you to the brave first responders who have provided support throughout this tragedy.”
