Chris Tomlin is doing his part to help the families of those impacted by the tragic shooting that took place at Covenant School on March 27, which cost the lives of three students and three adults. During his annual Good Friday Nashville event, held at Bridgestone Arena, the gospel singer announced plans to help both those impacted by the event, as well as the families of first responders.

“This Good Friday feels a little different. We’re carrying a lot. There’s a lot of heaviness, a lot of hurt. And tonight, I want to pray a blessing for and honor our community that’s hurting,” Tomlin shared, adding that there were about 200 families from Covenant School in attendance, as well as 200 families from the Nashville Metro Police force.

Tomlin was joined on stage by a family whose three children attended the school, with the father also serving on the board, as well as one of the teachers from the school and her family. Nashville’s Chief of Police, John Drake, also joined Tomlin on stage.

“We love you guys,” Tomlin praised. “We love you. Thank you. Especially the teachers who every day, every day, you teach our kids.”

Chief Drake spoke about the tragic event, lauding the teachers whose actions saved many of the students’ lives, as well as the numerous first responders who daily put their lives in danger to help others.

“March 27 was a day that I never wanted to see,” Chief Drake said. “Responding to Covenant School, I’m so thankful for not only our men and women for going in immediately and doing the right thing, but also our teachers, who followed protocol, and they saved kids as well. I feel so thankful to see these young kids here on the stage, knowing the situation could have been a lot worse.

“And so, for the 200-plus first responders here, they always said it would never be easy,” he continued. “It would be worth it. Thank you all for what you do. Thank you for the efforts. And evil will never win. Where there’s dark, there’s light. Where there’s despair, there’s hope. We will prevail, and we are resilient.”

Tomlin announced a new fund set up to help families impacted by the Covenant School shooting, along with the families of first responders.

“This is year seven of Good Friday,” Tomlin said. “We stated from year one that whatever proceeds came in, whatever profits came from this night, we would give to local charity, and it would be something that went back into the community and this year is just the same.

“We’re setting up a Covenant fund that will be working with leadership in the coming weeks and the coming months, for whatever you need. … We’re all a part of this together.”

“I know that there is a foundation for children and families of fallen police officers and first responders, who lose their life in the line of duty. There’s a foundation, a fund, that helps those children and families. And tonight, a portion of this night as well is going to your police force and we’re going to bless you.”

Tomlin was joined for Good Friday Nashville by Blessing Offor, Brian and Jenn Johnson and CeCe Winans. Watch the entire concert event here. Tomlin’s honoring of the Covenant School families and the first responders and their families begins at about the 57:00 mark. Plans have already been announced for Tomllin to return for Good Friday Nashville in 2024, taking place on March 29. Tickets are available now here.

Find all of Tomlin’s music and upcoming shows at ChrisTomlin.com.