What We Know So Far About the Abundant Life Christian School Shooting in Wisconsin

On Monday, tragedy struck Abundant Life Christian School in Madison, Wisconsin, when a 15-year-old female student opened fire, killing a teacher and another student, and injuring six others. The suspected shooter, identified as Natalie Rupnow, who also went by Samantha, died of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.

At 10:57 a.m., authorities received a 911 call from a second-grade student reporting an active shooter at the private school, located east of downtown Madison. Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes stated that officers, coincidentally training for similar scenarios nearby, quickly responded to the scene.

“What began as a training day became an actual thing,” Barnes said during a press briefing.

Details of the Incident

The shooting occurred in a classroom during a study hall session with students from various grade levels present. Abundant Life Christian School, founded in 1978, serves approximately 335 students from kindergarten through 12th grade.

Victims

A teacher and a teenage student were killed in the attack. Police have not disclosed their identities or confirmed if they were specific targets.

Of the six injured, two students are in critical condition, while four are recovering from non-life-threatening injuries.

Shooter Identified

Police identified the suspected shooter as Natalie Rupnow, a 15-year-old student at the school. Authorities said she died en route to the hospital, but the county medical examiner will officially determine the cause of death.

A handgun was recovered at the scene, but details about how the weapon was obtained have not been disclosed. Investigators have spoken to Rupnow’s family, who are cooperating with authorities.

Reactions from Officials

President Joe Biden issued a statement condemning the attack and urging Congress to pass stricter gun control measures, including universal background checks and bans on assault weapons and high-capacity magazines.

“It is unacceptable that we are unable to protect our children from this scourge of gun violence," Biden said.

Local representatives echoed the call for action. Rep. Mark Pocan, D-Wis., emphasized the need for immediate legislative measures, stating, “Thoughts and prayers without action mean more school shootings and more dead kids.”

Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Wis., offered condolences to the victims’ families and stated he was monitoring the situation closely.

Community Response

Authorities set up a reunification site and hotline for families affected by the shooting. The Madison community is reeling from the tragedy, as questions about school safety and gun control once again come to the forefront.

Further updates on the investigation and the victims’ conditions are expected in the coming days.