(DailyAnswer.org) – A tragic school shooting unfolded Monday at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison, Wisconsin, leaving a teacher and a teen student dead and six others injured. Police identified the shooter as 15-year-old Natalie Rupnow, who went by Samantha. The incident occurred during a study hall where students from multiple grades were gathered.
According to Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes, the shooter used a handgun before turning it on herself. Evidence suggests Rupnow died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. While investigators continue searching for a motive, police are in contact with Rupnow’s father, who is cooperating with authorities.
Two students remain in critical condition with life-threatening injuries, while a teacher and three other students suffered non-life-threatening injuries. Barnes confirmed that two of those individuals have already been discharged from the hospital. The identities of the deceased teacher and student have not yet been released.
The shooting was reported by a second-grade teacher, correcting an earlier statement that a student had made the 911 call. Emergency vehicles and first responders filled the school grounds Monday, working to reunite students with their families.
“This is a heartbreaking day for Madison,” Chief Barnes said. “Every person in that building is a victim and will carry this tragedy with them forever.” He praised officers and detectives for their dedication, noting that many were working tirelessly to gather details and understand what happened.
Abundant Life Christian School serves approximately 200 students and, according to Barnes, did not have a school resource officer or metal detectors. However, it did have cameras and other security measures. Police noted that they had conducted active shooter training just two weeks prior, part of their quarterly preparation.
As the community grapples with the aftermath, questions remain about how and why this happened. Chief Barnes emphasized that the investigation is far from over. “This will be etched in the memories of everyone here in Madison,” he said, urging residents to support one another in the days ahead.
The tragic event underscores the urgency of addressing school safety and the mental health challenges facing today’s youth, leaving the Madison community reeling from unimaginable loss.
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