Wisconsin latest: Police identify deceased 15-year-old Natalie Rupnow as school shooter
Natalie Rupnow, a 15-year-old student at Abundant Life Christian School, has been identified by police as the suspected shooter
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A 15-year-old girl, who police identified as Natalie Rupnow, killed a teacher and fellow student after opening fire on a K-12 school in Madison, Wisconsin.
Police responded to reports of an active shooter at Abundant Life Christian School just before 11 a.m. on Monday morning and entered the building immediately upon arrival.
Rupnow – who went by “Samantha” – was pronounced dead when police arrived at the scene of a suspected self-inflicted gunshot wound, Madison Police Department Chief Shon Barnes said.
Six others have been left injured, including two left two in critical condition with life-threatening injuries. Her motive remains unclear.
A second-grade student dialled 911 to report the shooting, police said Monday. Authorities found a handgun at the scene. Rupnow’s family is cooperating with police, the chief said.
Joe Biden, who was briefed on the school shooting on Monday, said: “It’s shocking and unconscionable. We need Congress to act. Now... Jill and I are praying for all the victims today, including the teacher and teenage student who were killed and those who sustained injuries.”
A candlelight vigil is scheduled for Tuesday evening as Madison reels from the attack.
Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers responds to tragedy
“I am closely monitoring the incident at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison,” Evers wrote on X.
“We are praying for the kids, educators, and entire Abundant Life school community as we await more information and are grateful for the first responders who are working quickly to respond.”
What have police said?
The shooting occurred at the Abundant Life Christian School around 11 a.m. Monday.
The alleged shooter, who is believed to have been a student at the school, died, Madison Police say. Details about the shooter and the victims have not yet been released.
“Today is a sad, sad day — not only for Madison, but for the entire country,” Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes said at a Monday press conference.
“I’m asking everyone to send your heartfelt wishes and prayers, and thoughts, yet again, to a community — but this time it’s my community,” he told reporters.
Read the full story.
Juvenile shooter is dead after killing four at Christian school in Wisconsin
“I’m asking everyone to send your heartfelt wishes and prayers, and thoughts, yet again, to a community — but this time it’s my community,” Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes told reporters
Abundant Life Christian School asks for prayers in wake of tragedy
“Prayers Requested! Today, we had an active shooter incident at ALCS,” the private K-12 Christian school wrote in a Facebook post hours after a shooter opened fire at the school.
Three people, including the suspected shooter, have died and six others were taken to local hospitals, police said.
“We are in the midst of following up. We will share information as we are able. Please pray for our Challenger Family,” the school wrote.
Gun safety groups react to yet another school shooting
“Terrifying and heartbreaking news out of Madison, Wisconsin. We shouldn’t have to live like this. We deserve to live free from the terror of gun violence. We will fight to end it,” March for Our Lives wrote on X.
Sandy Hook Promise similarly wrote: “Our hearts are with Madison, Wisconsin as this tragic story unfolds. We cannot allow this to keep happening. We must #EndGunViolence.”
Did the suspected shooter attend the school?
Chief Barnes revealed the suspected shooter is believed to have attended Abundant Life Christian School.
The private school, founded in 1978, has roughly 400 students. The school’s website describes it as “a community Christian school with the vision of providing academic excellence in a Christ-centered environment for families in the greater Dane County area.”
Katie Hawksinson has the full story.
Wisconsin school shooting: What we know about the gunman who killed at least two
The suspected shooter attended the private K-12 school, police said
Three people are deceased, including the shooter: police correct earlier report
“At this time, three people are deceased. During the media briefing earlier this afternoon, it was erroneously shared 5 were deceased. Again, three people are deceased. Nine in total were injured, including the three deceased,” Madison Police said in a social media update around 2 p.m.
They also urged parents and guardians should go to the Dean Clinic 1821 S. Stoughton Road for reunification.
Congress members react to school shooting
Tammy Baldwin, the Democratic Senator from Wisconsin, said she had been briefed on the school shooting: “My heart goes out to all those impacted. My office is in touch with local and state officials, and I stand ready to assist law enforcement and anyone affected.”
Wisconsin Sen. Ron Johnson also responded to the mass shooting: “My sincere condolences and prayers for all the victims of the tragedy at Abundant Life Christian School. I will continue to closely monitor the situation.”
Wisconsin Rep Derrick Van Orden also issued a statement in the aftermath of the tragedy: “I am shocked by the reports of a shooting at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison. Sara Jane and I are praying for the students, teachers, and families impacted. I will continue to monitor the situation as more information is released and am standing by to assist in any way possible.”