Another school shooting in the United States has claimed lives. Survivors, who reunited with their families hours later, described the ordeal as “super sad” and “really scary.”
A deadly shooting occurred at Madison Abundant Life Christian School in Madison, Wisconsin, on December 16, 2024. During the incident, a second-grader called 911 and later described the crisis.
The school acknowledged the incident on its Facebook page, asking the community for prayers and stating that an active shooter situation had occurred. They informed followers that they were still gathering details and would share updates when possible.
Police vehicles seen outside the Madison Abundant Life Christian School on December 16, 2024, in Madison, Wisconsin | Source: YouTube/ABCNews
Madison authorities later confirmed that a tragic shooting resulted in the deaths of a student and a teacher. The alleged shooter, 15-year-old Natalie Rupnow — who was known as Samantha — also died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound while being transported to the hospital.
In a news briefing, Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes revealed that the incident left three fatalities, including Rupnow, who was enrolled at the school.
Shon Barnes during a press conference | Source: YouTube/ABCNews
Investigators disclosed that Rupnow had premeditated the attack and had been facing personal challenges, which she documented in writings currently being analyzed by detectives. Officials have also started interviewing her family to learn more about her circumstances.
According to Barnes, a second-grader made the critical 911 call during the shooting. He expressed, “To me, it makes my heart skip a beat to think about that. We teach our kids if something is wrong to call what? To call 911, and so the child was able to do that.”
An armed police officer pictured outside the Madison Abundant Life Christian School on December 16, 2024, in Madison, Wisconsin | Source: YouTube/ABCNews
The law enforcement officer indicated that the student who called 911 was likely in a separate room from the shooter but responded swiftly and appropriately.
Additionally, Barnes emphasized the significance of preparedness, noting that the sound of gunfire is typically unmistakable. He pointed out how teachers promptly initiated lockdown procedures and how the students recognized and followed those instructions.
Residents spotted outside the Madison Abundant Life Christian School on December 16, 2024, in Madison, Wisconsin | Source: YouTube/ABCNews
When addressing parents, Barnes encouraged them to teach their children to follow the directions of the adults in charge, seek a place to hide, find cover, or use something to protect themselves. According to him, listening to the adults in the room is the most critical action during such situations.
The shooting took place during a study hall with students from various grades. Authorities reported that six individuals were injured during the incident.
The Police Fire Chief during a press conference | Source: YouTube/ABCNews
Two students remain in critical condition with life-threatening injuries, while three students and a teacher are expected to recover. Authorities also confirmed that two of those four have already been released.
