A tragic shooting at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison, Wisconsin, left two people dead—a teacher and a teenage student—while six others were injured, two critically.
The attacker, identified as 15-year-old student Natalie Rupnow, who also went by the name Samantha, died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes.
The shooting occurred on Monday morning in a study hall with mixed-grade students. Chief Barnes revealed that a second-grade student was the first to report the active shooter, leading to a swift response by local authorities.
The police found the suspect dead at the scene, along with a handgun. The motive remains unclear and the suspect’s family is cooperating with the investigation. Authorities have also appealed for witnesses to come forward.
Barbara Wiers, the school’s director of relations, commended the students and staff for their quick response, attributing it to recent active shooter training. She added that classrooms automatically lock and entry to the school requires security clearance.
Chief Barnes expressed grief over the incident, stating, “Today is a sad day not only for Madison but for our entire country. We have to do a better job in our community.”
The names of the victims have not yet been released. Two students remain in critical but stable condition, while four others suffered non-life-threatening injuries, with two already discharged from the hospital. An investigation is ongoing.
The Abundant Life Christian School has around 400 students ranging from kindergarten through high school.
President Joe Biden said in a statement that the shooting was “shocking and unconscionable”.
