A teacher and a student were killed Monday morning when a 15-year-old female student opened fire at a private Christian school in Madison, Wisconsin, police reported. The suspect was later pronounced dead while being transported to the hospital.
The incident occurred at Abundant Life Christian School, a K-12 academy with approximately 390 students. Madison police received a 911 call from a second grader at 10:57 a.m. CT, alerting authorities to the shooting. Responding officers discovered the suspect, identified as Natalie Rupnow, with a gunshot wound. She was transported to a nearby hospital but died en route, according to Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes during a Monday evening news conference.
“A teacher and a teenage student were pronounced dead at the scene,” Barnes confirmed. He added that six additional students and one teacher were injured and transported to local hospitals for treatment. Two students remain in critical condition with life-threatening injuries.
The shooting reportedly took place in a classroom study hall involving students of mixed grades. Police recovered the weapon used in the attack and stated that they believe Rupnow acted alone. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to uncover further details about the motive and circumstances leading to the incident.
A devastating school shooting on Monday morning at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison, Wisconsin, left a teacher and a student dead, while the 15-year-old female suspect also died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to local authorities.
The Incident
The tragedy unfolded shortly before 11:00 a.m. local time when Madison police received a 911 call placed by a second grader at the private Christian school. Abundant Life Christian School, a K-12 institution with approximately 390 students, became the scene of chaos as police arrived to find the suspected shooter, identified as Natalie Rupnow, critically injured with a gunshot wound. She was transported to a nearby hospital but was pronounced dead en route, Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes confirmed in a press conference later that evening.
“A teacher and a teenage student were pronounced dead at the scene,” Barnes said solemnly. “Six other students and a teacher were injured, with two of the students in critical condition and facing life-threatening injuries.”
Response and Investigation
Police quickly secured the school, reassuring the community that they believe Rupnow acted alone. “At this time, we believe there was only one shooter involved,” Barnes stated. The weapon used in the shooting, a 9mm handgun, was recovered from the scene. Authorities confirmed that the violence erupted during a classroom study hall involving students of mixed grades.
Additional details about how the shooter obtained the weapon remain unclear. Investigators are examining Rupnow’s background, writings, and any potential motive leading up to the incident. Madison police have also begun interviewing students, staff, and the suspect’s family members as part of the ongoing investigation.
Victims and Survivors
The aftermath of the shooting revealed a harrowing toll:
- A teacher and a teenage student died at the scene.
- Six students and another teacher sustained injuries.
- Of those injured, three students and one teacher suffered non-life-threatening wounds, and two students remain in critical condition.
Authorities later confirmed that two of the injured individuals had already been released from the hospital after receiving treatment.
School and Community Impact
The Abundant Life Christian School, part of the local religious community, has long been known for its close-knit environment and emphasis on faith-based education. Monday’s shooting shattered that sense of safety, leaving parents, students, and staff grappling with grief and unanswered questions.
Counseling services are being offered to students, faculty, and families impacted by the shooting. In a statement, the school expressed its deep sorrow over the tragedy and pledged to support the affected families.
“We are heartbroken and mourning the loss of life within our community. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families, and all those affected,” the school said.
Law Enforcement and Broader Response
Chief Barnes reiterated the importance of a thorough investigation and urged patience as authorities work to understand the circumstances surrounding the shooting. “We will leave no stone unturned in uncovering what led to this tragic event,” he assured.
The incident has reignited conversations about school safety and access to firearms, with community members calling for increased measures to protect students and prevent future tragedies.
Moving Forward
As the Madison community mourns, vigils are being planned to honor the lives lost. Local and state leaders have extended their condolences and promised support for those affected by the shooting.
Governor Tony Evers issued a statement saying, “My heart goes out to the victims, their families, and the entire Madison community. We must come together to grieve and ensure that schools are safe spaces for every child in our state.”
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to determine how Rupnow acquired the firearm and what may have motivated the attack. Meanwhile, grief counselors and local organizations continue to assist the community in processing the tragedy.
Key Takeaways:
- A 15-year-old female student opened fire at Abundant Life Christian School, killing a teacher and a student.
- The shooter, Natalie Rupnow, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
- Seven others were injured; two students remain in critical condition.
- Police recovered the weapon and believe Rupnow acted alone.
This devastating event marks another sobering reminder of the need for vigilance in addressing school safety and mental health.