A 15-year-old student opened fire at a private Christian school in Madison, Wisconsin, leaving two dead and more than six injured on Monday. Investigators are examining the suspect’s background and a possible motive in the shooting, which has since shaken the community.
Female student identified in private school shooting
Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes said the suspect was identified as Natalie Rupnow, who goes by Samantha, according to the Wisconsin Journal Sentinel. She opened fire inside Abundant Life Christian School during study hall with multiple grades inside the room.
Barnes said a second grader called 911 around 10:57 am to report the shooting.
He added that two students are still in critical condition with life-threatening injuries. A teacher and three other students had non-life-threatening injuries, and two other victims have since been released.
Rupnow died from self-inflicted gunshot wound
During the investigation, Barnes said Rupnow used a handgun in the shooting and died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Police found her inside the school around 11 am at the private school, and she died on the way to the hospital, Fox News and the Sentinel reported.
“Every child, every person in that building is a victim and will be a victim forever. We need to figure out and try to piece together what exactly happened,” Barnes told Fox News.
Additionally, Barnes said the school, which holds about 200 students, did not have a resource officer. They also did not have metal detectors but did have cameras and other security resources.
Despite police training in active shooter situations, a spokesperson spoke about preparation for instances like this.
“This is something you prepare for, but that you hope you never have to do,” the person told reporters, per Fox News. “Today is a sad, sad day.”
President Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers and several other political figures spoke out against the shooting at Abundant Life Christian School.
Today, families in Madison, Wisconsin are grieving the loss of those who were killed and wounded at Abundant Life Christian School.
It’s shocking and unconscionable.
We need Congress to act. Now.
— President Biden (@POTUS) December 16, 2024
Today, senseless gun violence has once again visited our classrooms.
Doug and I are mourning the student and teacher who were killed in Madison, Wisconsin, and we are praying for all those who were injured.
We must resolve to do everything in our power to end this epidemic. pic.twitter.com/KyqfR6E1mG
— Vice President Kamala Harris (@VP) December 17, 2024
My full statement on the school shooting at Abundant Life Christian School today in Madison.
I’m directing flags across the state to be immediately lowered to half-staff as we honor those whose lives were senselessly taken in this tragedy. pic.twitter.com/HYIjVYcqaF
— Governor Tony Evers (@GovEvers) December 16, 2024
‘We have been made aware of an manifesto’
Rupnow’s family has been cooperating with the police since the shooting incident. Barnes told CNN Tuesday they are also investigating texts, social media posts and other material used as evidence in the case.
“We have been made aware of a manifesto, if you want to call it that, or some type of letter that’s been posted by someone who alleged to be her friend,” he told the outlet. “We haven’t been able to locate that person yet, but that’s something we’re going to work on today.”
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