On Monday, a group of Wisconsin police officers was engaged in training to handle mass trauma events. However, their drill turned into a real-life crisis when a second-grade student dialed 911, reporting an active shooter at Abundant Life Christian School in East Madison.
“They left the training center immediately and came down here – doing in real time what they were actually practicing for,” said Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes at the scene.
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The Shooting: What We Know
Upon arriving at the school, officers discovered several gunshot victims and the shooter, 15-year-old student Natalie Rupnow, deceased. According to authorities, evidence suggests Rupnow, who identified as “Samantha,” died by suicide. Tragically, a teacher and a student lost their lives in the attack, while six others were injured. Two students remain hospitalized in critical condition.
A Community in Mourning
The incident occurred just days before the school’s Christmas break, plunging the tight-knit community into grief. Students had been eagerly anticipating festive activities like a holiday concert and Ugly Christmas Sweater Day.
This marks the 83rd school shooting in the United States this year, setting a grim record since 2008.
Survivor Stories
In interviews with local media, survivors – some as young as 7 or 8 – shared their harrowing experiences. “I was really scared and really sad,” said one student. Parents anxiously waited for updates on their children. Mireille Jean-Charles, a mother of three students at the school, expressed her gratitude for their safety but acknowledged the emotional toll. “The trauma is immense. They’ve lost friends and teachers, which is not OK,” she said.
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities are actively investigating the crime scene and the shooter’s home in northern Madison. Police are seeking additional search warrants to piece together a timeline and uncover Rupnow’s motive. Her parents have cooperated with investigators and, as of now, face no charges.
Police Chief Barnes emphasized a sensitive approach: “We’re not going to interrogate students. We’ll wait for them to come forward when they feel ready.”
How It Unfolded
Rupnow entered the school as usual on Monday morning. During a mixed-grade study hall around 11 a.m., she produced a handgun and began shooting. Students, trained in active shooter drills, quickly realized the gravity of the situation.
“They handled themselves brilliantly despite their fear,” said Barbara Wiers, the school’s director of elementary and school relations.
The Aftermath
Police recovered a handgun at the scene and are investigating its origins. Authorities are also examining writings allegedly tied to Rupnow but have yet to verify their authenticity. The FBI has been enlisted for assistance.
At Rupnow’s home, police used stun grenades during their search, as seen in footage from WTMJ. Neighbors described the scene as unsettling, with doors removed and detectives combing the property.
A Call for Community Support
Police have advised against holding vigils at the school, which remains an active crime scene. However, a candlelight vigil is scheduled for Tuesday night, with city officials and community leaders expected to attend. Governor Tony Evers has ordered flags across Wisconsin to fly at half-staff until December 22 in honor of the victims.
“This is unthinkable,” Evers said. “No child or educator should go to school and never come home.”
A Disturbing Pattern
The shooting at Abundant Life Christian School is the latest in a series of tragedies at private religious schools. Earlier this month, two young boys were critically injured in a shooting at Feather River Adventist School in California. Last year, The Covenant School in Tennessee experienced a similar tragedy, with six lives lost.
About Abundant Life Christian School
Founded in 1978, Abundant Life Christian School serves approximately 390 students from kindergarten through high school. Located at 4901 E. Buckeye Road in Madison, the school draws families from 56 churches across Dane County.
A Facebook post from the school on Monday described the incident: “Please pray for our Challenger family.”
Moving Forward
Classes in the Madison Metropolitan School District are set to resume Tuesday, though the emotional scars will take much longer to heal. Madison police will hold a briefing Tuesday afternoon, potentially releasing more details about the victims and the investigation.
