On the morning of Monday, Dec. 16, a shooting at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison, Wisconsin, resulted in the deaths of a teacher and a student, while six others sustained injuries.
The incident occurred just before 11 a.m. local time, during a study hall session involving multiple grades. The shooter, identified as 15-year-old Natalie “Samantha” Rupnow, was found dead at the scene from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
The school, a K-12 facility with approximately 420 students, was placed on lockdown as police responded to the scene. Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes confirmed that officers arrived within three minutes of receiving a 911 call from a second-grade student reporting the shooting. The call was made at 10:57 a.m.
Two of the injured victims, both students, sustained life-threatening injuries and remain in critical condition. A teacher and three other students were hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries; two of whom have since been released. The identities of the deceased teacher and student have not been disclosed.
Barnes noted that the shooting was confined to one area of the school, though the exact location — whether a classroom or hallway — remains unclear. The motive for the attack is still under investigation, and no prior contact with law enforcement by the shooter has been reported. The shooter’s family is cooperating with authorities, and investigators are reviewing evidence, including notes believed to have been written by Rupnow, which may provide insight into her state of mind.
Abundant Life Christian School, a nondenominational institution, does not have metal detectors or a school resource officer but employs other security measures, including cameras and visual scanning protocols.
Barbara Wiers, the school’s director of elementary and school relations, praised students for their composure during the lockdown, stating, "When they heard, 'Lockdown, lockdown,' they knew it was real."
The incident has deeply affected the school community and the broader Madison area. Barnes described the day as “a sad, sad day” and emphasized the collective trauma experienced by all those in the building.
"Every child, every person in that building is a victim and will be a victim forever," he said.
Parents were reunited with their children at a nearby medical facility, with many expressing relief and gratitude for their safety. Bethany Highman, the mother of a student, recounted her panic upon hearing the news and her relief upon learning her daughter was unharmed via FaceTime.
"As soon as it happened, your world stops for a minute. Nothing else matters," she said.
The shooting occurred just two days after the 12th anniversary of the Sandy Hook Elementary School massacre and follows a similar incident in March 2023 at a Nashville-area Christian school, where six people were killed. These events have reignited national discussions about gun control and school safety.
President Joe Biden condemned the shooting as "shocking and unconscionable" and called on Congress to pass stricter gun laws, including universal background checks and a national red flag law.
"Every child deserves to feel safe in their classroom," Biden said in a statement.
Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers expressed his condolences and gratitude for first responders, while Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway emphasized the need for stronger measures to prevent gun violence.
As investigations continue, the community grapples with the aftermath of the tragedy. The school is considering whether to resume classes this week or provide additional support for students and staff before the winter break.
The shooting serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by schools and communities in addressing gun violence. (Related: Nashville school shooter was a violent trans girl who said she'd "kill" for puberty blockers – manifesto finally released.)
Watch this episode of "The Resistance Chicks" as they discuss the recent school shooting in Madison, Wisconsin, and the causes and solutions to gun violence.
This video is from the Resistance Chicks channel on Brighteon.com.
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