Abundant Life Christian School, Wisconsin, Credit: Wikimedia, Attribution: Corey Coyle
A tragic school shooting occurred at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison, Wisconsin, on Monday, December 16, leaving two dead, including the suspected shooter, Natalie Rupnow, a 15-year-old student. Six others were injured, two of whom remain in critical condition.
School shooting in Wisconsin, USA
The Madison Police Department confirmed that the shooting began at 10:57 am inside a classroom with students from multiple grades present. A second-grade student (aged between 7 and 8 years) called 911 to report the shooting, and the police arrived within minutes. Chief Shon Barnes stated officers entered immediately, locating the shooter dead from a suspected self-inflicted gunshot wound.
The shooting claimed the lives of one student and one teacher. Six are injured, two of them students in critical condition with life-threatening injuries, and one teacher and three other students have been released from hospital.
Wisconsin shooter identified as Natalie Rupnow
Authorities identified the shooter as Natalie Rupnow, who reportedly also went by the name “Samantha.” A handgun was recovered at the scene. Police are investigating potential writings or a manifesto shared online, noting a connection to one of the victims but cannot yet verify its authenticity.
Rupnow’s family is cooperating fully with the police. “We have no reason to believe they have committed a crime at this time,” Chief Barnes emphasised.
There have been some reports that Natalie Rupnow was trans, Barnes addressed speculation about Rupnow’s gender identity, stating, “I don’t think whatever happened today has anything to do with how she, or he, or they may have wanted to identify.”
The shooting has understandably deeply shocked the school community, which serves around 420 students. Sixth-grader Adler Jean-Charles recounted hearing gunshots during his English class, sharing with CNN affiliate WISC-TV: “Some people started crying, and then we just waited until police came.” His mother described the emotional toll on her family, adding, “I don’t think they’ll be OK for a long time.”
Chief Barnes urged the public to avoid spreading misinformation and to respect the ongoing investigation. He requested that no vigils be held yet at the school, as it remains an active crime scene.
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