Armed man shot dead after attempted attack inside Nashville federal courthouse, police say

By Eric Mack

A man armed with a pistol was fatally shot at a security checkpoint Thursday inside a federal courthouse in Tennessee’s largest city, police said.

The man in his 40s was killed after he tried to fire his gun but failed, according to Don Aaron, spokesperson for Metro Nashville Police.

"The security individual fired on the armed individual," Aaron said, adding that the man was taken to a hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Police say a suspect was shot and killed during an attempted attack at the federal courthouse in Nashville on Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026 (WVTV)

The man was believed to have been from out of state. No details were released about why he was at the courthouse. The library next door was closed as a result of the shooting.

Courthouse visitors must go through a security checkpoint.

"That's the entrance that most people in this courthouse use," First Assistant U.S. Attorney Rob McGuire said.

Crime scene roped off outside courtroom.

Law enforcement responds to a shooting at the federal courthouse in Nashville, Tenn. on Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026. (AP Photo/Kristin Hall)

The exterior of Nashville federal courthouse.

Law enforcement responds to a shooting at the federal courthouse, Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Kristin Hall)

After the shooting, officers with dogs were circling the perimeter and workers in nearby buildings were gathered on streets to watch the scene.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

This is a developing story. Check back here for updates.

Eric Mack is a breaking news reporter and writer Sunday through Thursday, 6 a.m. ET to 2 p.m. ET, with a particular interest in stories that lead the news cycle on politics, elections, foreign affairs and government.

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