Case Name: Star News Network et al. v. Federal Bureau of Investigation
Type of Case: Individual liberties, Constitutional rights
Court: U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee
Filed On: May 10, 2023
Current Status: WILL secured a settlement with the FBI, which includes the release of 120 pages of the Nashville shooter’s manifesto and $86,000 in legal fees.
WILL Moves for Summary Judgment Against the FBI for Withholding the Nashville Shooter Manifesto
May 25, 2023 | WILL continues its legal fight against the FBI—to obtain Nashville shooter Audrey Hale’s manifesto—by filing a motion for summary judgment in federal court in Nashville.
NEW FEDERAL LAWSUIT: WILL TAKES FBI TO COURT OVER NASHVILLE SHOOTER’S MANIFESTO
May 10, 2023 | Lawsuit triggered after Biden Administration refuses to overrule FBI’s denial of Freedom of Information Act request.
WILL TAKES LEGAL ACTION AGAINST FBI FOR CONCEALING THE MANIFESTO OF NASHVILLE SHOOTER
April 25, 2023 | The Star News Network, covering the Nashville school shooting, is seeking this critical information from the FBI to learn the motivations of the killer.
FBI Releases Manifesto of Nashville Shooter, Settles Lawsuit with WILL
June 18, 2025 | WILL announced a settlement with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) on behalf of its clients, the Star News Network and journalist Matt Kittle of The Federalist.
Additional Background: On April 20th, The Star News Network requested a copy of the manifesto from the FBI through a formal FOIA request. After the FBI denied the records, WILL immediately filed an Administrative Appeal with Biden’s DOJ, as required by law. On May 5th, the DOJ denied the appeal and WILL immediately prepared for a lawsuit in federal court.
CASE DOCUMENTS
- Settlement, June 2025
- Complaint, May 10, 2023
- Administrative Appeal, April 25, 2023
- Motion for Summary Judgment, May 25, 2023


