Crime

Natalie Rupnow Warns of Dangerous Plot After Receiving Texts from Man Planning Government Strike

The FBI has taken Alexander Paffendorf into custody, while the victims of the attack have been identified as teacher Erin Michelle West and 14-year-old student Rubi Patricia Vergara.

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A man from California has been arrested and had his firearms confiscated after allegedly sending text messages to Wisconsin school shooter Natalie Rupnow, in which he shared his plans to detonate explosives and target a government building. The authorities took action after learning of the disturbing messages, leading to the man’s detention and the seizure of his weapons.

Alexander Paffendorf, a 20-year-old man, was issued a gun-violence restraining order and taken into custody by FBI agents following allegations that he sent messages to 15-year-old Natalie Rupnow, the shooter responsible for the attack at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison on Monday. The messages, which were allegedly sent around the same time as her attack, raised concerns and prompted authorities to take swift action against Paffendorf.

According to a two-page restraining order obtained by CBS 8, the Carlsbad resident, Alexander Paffendorf, allegedly communicated with Natalie Rupnow, informing her that he planned to arm himself with both explosives and a firearm. He reportedly stated that his target would be a government building. This alarming information was included in the restraining order, which was issued in response to his disturbing messages.

It comes as the teacher and student who lost their lives in school shooting were identified by police. Six others were left injured, two with life-threatening wounds, and Rupnow died of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.

On Wednesday evening, authorities officially identified the victims of the tragic school shooting as Erin Michelle West, 42, and 14-year-old Rubi Patricia Vergara. Vergara, a freshman at Abundant Life Christian School, was remembered in an obituary as an enthusiastic and passionate young person. She was described as an avid reader who also had a deep love for art, singing, and playing the keyboard in her family’s worship band. Her family and community will remember her for her vibrant spirit and talents.

Sheenu Gupta
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