Antioch High School Shooter’s Disturbing Manifesto Reveals Anti-Black Views and Candace Owens as Inspiration

New details from the Antioch High School shooting investigation have uncovered a disturbing manifesto by 17-year-old Solomon Henderson, who is accused of killing 16-year-old Josselin Corea Escalante during a cafeteria attack. Henderson’s writings, obtained by NewsChannel 5 Investigates, reveal anti-Black and anti-Semitic views, admiration for mass shooters, and an unsettling acknowledgment of conservative commentator Candace Owens as his primary influence.

In his manifesto, Henderson wrote that he was “ashamed to be Black,” expressing self-hatred and aligning himself with propaganda from the Goyim Defense League, a neo-Nazi group. The writings included anti-Semitic rhetoric, links to other shooter manifestos, and plans to livestream the attack. Photos of a handgun, ammunition, and lock-picking tools were also shared on a social media account linked to Henderson before the attack.

Henderson credited Owens as his “top influence,” writing, “Candace Owens influenced me above all each time she spoke.” Owens, known for her controversial views on race and systemic racism, has been criticized for downplaying racism and promoting divisive ideologies.

The manifesto also revealed Henderson’s struggles with mental health and isolation. He described himself as “miserable,” experiencing suicidal thoughts and deep self-loathing. “I wanted to kill myself. I just couldn’t take anymore. I am a worthless subhuman, a living breathing disgrace,” he wrote. Despite this despair, Henderson stated that he was not a victim of bullying but voiced disdain for the school system, calling it a “daycare.”

Henderson’s writings also referenced other mass shootings, including the 2023 Covenant School shooting in Nashville, where six people were killed. He included photos of the Covenant shooter in his manifesto and praised other mass shooters while linking to guides on how to carry out such attacks.

The revelation of Henderson’s writings has raised serious questions about the influence of extremist propaganda, online radicalization, and the mental health challenges facing young individuals. The investigation into the attack continues, as the community grapples with the motives and circumstances surrounding the tragedy.