A devastating shooting took place on Monday morning at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison, Wisconsin, resulting in the deaths of two individuals and the discovery of the deceased suspect.
The private school, situated at 4901 E. Buckeye Rd. on the east side of Madison, became the site of the tragic event. At approximately 10:57 a.m., a second-grade student inside the school dialed 911 to report the shooting, triggering an immediate response from Madison police.
Chief of Police Shon F. Barnes confirmed the details of the incident, which unfolded just before 11 a.m., as officers quickly arrived at the scene to assess the situation. The response and investigation are ongoing as authorities work to understand the full scope of the tragedy.
The shooting took place inside a classroom and study hall occupied by students in various grades, Barnes said.
The shooter has been identified as 15-year-old Natalie Rupnow, a student at the school who lived in Madison and went by the name Samantha. It is believed she died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound after opening fire in the school.
Police said the two people who died in the shooting were a teenage student and a teacher.
According to Pastor Chris Dolson, who was speaking at a vigil for the victims on Monday night, the teacher who was killed may have been a substitute.
“There’s a woman who called in sick today. She’s a teacher. And there was a substitute that came in to take her place that was shot and killed,” Dolson said. “Survivor guilt kicks in when those things happen.”
Five other students and a teacher were injured in the shooting, with two of the wounded students in critical condition and suffering life-threatening injuries as of Monday night, according to Police Chief Shon F. Barnes. The teacher and three other students were treated for injuries that were not life-threatening. Two of these students have already been released from the hospital, while the others are in stable condition.
Barnes confirmed that officers found the 15-year-old suspect at the scene with what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound. No shots were fired by police. The suspect used a 9mm pistol, and authorities are working to trace the weapon.
Rupnow was pronounced dead while being transported to the hospital. In the hours following the shooting, all surviving students were reunited with their families.
As investigators continued to search for a motive, the FBI joined local law enforcement in processing the crime scene, conducting interviews, and obtaining search warrants to assist in the investigation.
Earlier on Monday, Barnes expressed his sorrow, saying, โMy heart is heavy for our community. Itโs heavy for Madison. We need to come together as a community to understand what happened and ensure that this doesnโt happen anywhere else that should be a safe haven for students.โ
Mireille Jean-Charles, the mother of three boys who attend Abundant Life Christian School, expressed the distress she felt when she first learned that her childrenโs school was on lockdown. โItโs heartbreaking to be at home and hear that your kidsโ school is in lockdown, not knowing where they are,โ she said. โI waited until 11 a.m. before I was able to get in touch with them, and thank God, they were safe. But the traumaโฆ itโs a lot. Iโm sure they lost friends and a teacher, and thatโs just not okay. I donโt think they will be okay for a long time, and neither will I.โ
Barbara Weirs, the schoolโs director of elementary and school relations, confirmed that the school does not have metal detectors but follows safety protocols. She mentioned that a lockdown drill had been conducted earlier in the academic year.
In response to the tragedy, one man reflected, โWeโve always joked about how safe a 400-student Christian private school could be, but if it can happen here, it can happen anywhere.โ
Hours after the shooting, law enforcement was seen removing a door from a Madison home as part of their investigation. Chief Shon Barnes assured the public that detectives are working diligently to uncover the facts and prevent such events from happening again, not just in this community but across the nation.
Former school principal Dave Wagner expressed his deep sorrow, saying, โMy heart grieves beyond words with them. I know the principal and many teachers, and this tragedy will impact them for the rest of their lives.โ
Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers issued a statement expressing his devastation over the shooting. โThere are no words to describe the heartbreak we feel today after the tragedy at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison,โ he said. โKathy and I are praying for the families and loved ones of those who were senselessly taken and for the entire Abundant Life community as they cope with grief and loss. We are also praying for the recovery of those injured.
โWe also express our gratitude to the first responders who acted swiftly to help save lives. This day will weigh heavily on them, and weโre thankful for their efforts. As a father, a grandfather, and governor, it is unimaginable that a child or educator could go to school one day and never come home. This should never happen, and I will continue to work to prevent it.
โToday, my focus is on supporting the families, children, and the Abundant Life community. The state is ready to assist them and local law enforcement in the challenging days ahead.โ
Governor Evers has announced that the flags of the United States and the state of Wisconsin will be flown at half-staff across the state until sunset on Sunday, Dec. 22, in honor of the victims of the shooting.
Abundant Life Christian School, a private, nondenominational religious institution, serves nearly 400 students from kindergarten through 12th grade.
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