Police Identify 15-Year-Old Girl as Shooter in Abundant Life Christian School Tragedy in Wisconsin
Tragedy Strikes Abundant Life Christian School in Madison, Wisconsin
A tragic shooting unfolded at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison, Wisconsin, on Monday when a 15-year-old girl opened fire, killing a teacher and a student while wounding six others, according to police. The shooter, identified as Natalie Rupnow, who also went by the name Samantha, died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Investigation Underway
Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes confirmed that the teenager used a handgun. Authorities are investigating the firearm’s origin and have searched her home in the city’s north side. While the motive remains unclear, police are determining if any of the victims were specifically targeted. Rupnow’s father is cooperating with authorities, who are assessing what he may have known about the incident.
The Attack
The shooting occurred shortly before 11 a.m. in a mixed-grade study hall. Police responded to the active shooter call at 10:57 a.m., and no officers discharged their weapons during the response.
Despite the school’s robust security measures, including cameras and regular lockdown drills, the absence of metal detectors and a school resource officer has been noted. School Administrator Wiers praised the students and staff for their composed response, saying, “They handled themselves brilliantly.”
Casualties and Injuries
Two students remain in critical condition with life-threatening injuries, while three others and a teacher sustained non-life-threatening injuries. Two of the injured were discharged from SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital – Madison on Monday evening.
Community Impact and Response
The school, which serves about 390 students from kindergarten through 12th grade, was cleared and declared safe by law enforcement. All students were reunited with their families by Monday evening.
Residents described the scene as overwhelming, with police, paramedics, and fire department personnel flooding the usually quiet neighborhood. Witnesses saw older students running from the school while younger children were evacuated in an orderly manner, holding hands.
Nationwide Reaction
The incident has sparked renewed calls for gun reform. President Joe Biden condemned the attack, describing it as “shocking and unconscionable.” He urged Congress to pass commonsense gun safety laws, including universal background checks and bans on assault weapons and high-capacity magazines.
State officials echoed the sentiment. Governor Tony Evers expressed heartbreak, saying, “It is unthinkable that a child or educator might wake up and go to school one morning and never come home.” Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway emphasized the urgency of gun violence prevention, while Wisconsin Superintendent of Public Instruction Jill Underly called for more robust protections for children and educators.
Looking Ahead
The Madison community, leaning on faith and resilience, is left grappling with the tragedy while searching for ways to ensure such incidents never happen again. Authorities continue their investigation, vowing to learn from this devastating event and support other schools in bolstering safety measures.