A devastating shooting unfolded at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison, Wisconsin, on Monday, leaving two dead and six others injured. The shooter, identified as 15-year-old Natalie Rupnow, who went by Samantha, killed a teacher and a fellow student before taking her own life.
What happened
The attack occurred inside a classroom during a study hall with mixed-grade students at approximately 10:30 pm (1700 GMT).
Officials revealed that Rupnow arrived at school on time and pulled out a handgun about three hours into the school day. The attack occurred during a study hall in a classroom with mixed-grade students.
A second-grade student, who would generally be 7 or 8 years old, called 911 to report the shooting at the school, Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes told a press conference. “Let that soak in for a minute,” Barnes said. Barnes revealed that Rupnow used a handgun, and investigators are now working to trace the firearm’s origin.
Monday’s rampage was a rarity in that it was carried about by a girl. Only about 3% of all U.S. mass shootings perpetrated by females, studies show. There was as yet no known motive for the violence. The shooter’s parents were cooperating with the investigation, Barnes said, without revealing details of what was discussed.
Community reacts
“This tragedy has rocked our community,” Barnes said during a press briefing. He also urged the public to avoid speculation, especially regarding the shooter’s gender identity, adding, “I don’t think what happened today has anything to do with how she or he or they may have wanted to identify.”
Investigation and motive
Police are looking into a document circulating on social media that could shed light on a potential motive. “We have not verified its authenticity, but we are aware of its existence,” Barnes said. Officials are also speaking with Rupnow’s father to learn more about her background, emphasizing that he, too, is grieving.
Security questions
The school, which has about 390 students, does not use metal detectors or employ a school resource officer but does have other security measures, including cameras and lockdown training. Those protocols were implemented during the incident.
Victims and injuries
Six individuals were injured in the shooting, with two remaining in critical condition. The identities of the victims have not been publicly released.
Nation grieving and divided
This tragedy comes amid a broader epidemic of gun violence in the United States. President Joe Biden issued a statement condemning the shooting and urging Congress to enact stronger gun-control measures.
“It is unacceptable that we are unable to protect our children from this scourge of gun violence. We cannot continue to accept it as normal,” Biden said.
The shooting also coincides with the 12th anniversary of the Sandy Hook Elementary School massacre, where 20 children and six adults were killed in Newtown, Connecticut.
Despite public support for measures like stricter background checks and safer gun storage, legislative action has been limited. While Biden signed a major gun reform bill in 2022, calls for more comprehensive measures remain unheeded.
A call for responsibility
Chief Barnes appealed for calm and sensitivity in the wake of the tragedy: “Let’s be responsible with our social media and focus on supporting the victims and their families.”
