What We Know So Far About the Wisconsin Christian School Shooting

Authorities in Madison, Wisconsin, are investigating the motive behind a 15-year-old student’s shooting at a private Christian school. The incident occurred on Monday, just days prior to the winter break, resulting in the loss of a fellow student and a teacher’s lives, with the shooter also deceased.

What Occurred in Madison?

Gunfire broke out late Monday morning at Abundant Life Christian School in Wisconsin’s capital. On Tuesday, police reported that a second-grade teacher contacted 911 to report the incident, although it was initially believed that a student had made the call.

According to Police Chief Shon Barnes, Natalie Rupnow, also known as Samantha, unleashed a barrage of gunfire during a study hall session, fatally wounding another student and a teacher while injuring six additional people.

The deceased teacher and student were declared dead at the school, although their identities have yet to be disclosed. Two other students remained in critical condition as of Tuesday, while a teacher and three others were hospitalized with less severe injuries, two of whom were released by Monday evening.

Rupnow reportedly died by suicide, as suggested by Barnes, who confirmed that police officers did not discharge their firearms during the incident.

The school’s website indicated that Friday was designated as the last day before the holiday recess.

President Joe Biden characterized the shooting as “shocking and unconscionable” and urged Congress to take swift action.

“Every child deserves to feel safe in their classrooms,” Biden emphasized. “Students around the nation should be focused on learning basic skills—not on how to protect themselves during a crisis.”

What Motivated the Shooter?

Authorities are examining the factors that led to the shooting. Chief Barnes indicated that discussions are ongoing with Rupnow’s family members, who have been cooperative, while an investigation of the shooter’s residence is being conducted.

Barnes stated that a “combination of factors” contributed to the shooting, but he refrained from revealing specific details. Investigators are also inquiring whether bullying played a role.

He clarified that it does not seem the victims were specifically targeted; instead, “everyone was affected.”

On CNN, Barnes expressed that police are working to establish a timeline of the hours leading up to the fateful event.

They have requested the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives to accelerate their investigation into the source of the firearm used by the 15-year-old. It remains unclear if the gun was in the ownership of her parents.

What Is Known About the School?

Abundant Life Christian School operates as a nondenominational institution with approximately 420 students enrolled from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade, as stated by Barbara Wiers, the campus director of elementary and school relations.

Wiers noted during a press briefing that while the school does not utilize metal detectors, it employs various security measures, including surveillance cameras. She emphasized that firearms are prohibited on campus and that routine safety drills are conducted.

“When they heard ‘lockdown, lockdown,’ they recognized that it was a serious situation,” she remarked.

Prior to the school year, the campus had engaged in retraining with the Madison Police Department, making safety protocols fresh in the minds of staff members.

A candlelight vigil took place on Tuesday night at the State Capitol.

The institution’s website states that it was established in 1978 with a vision of providing “academic excellence within a Christ-centered framework.” Furthermore, it is accredited by the Association of Christian Schools International.

Have Other Religious Schools Been Targeted?

Just under two weeks ago, another tragic incident occurred when a gunman injured two kindergartners at a small religious school in Northern California before taking his own life. Sheriff Kory L. Honea reported that the shooter, Glenn Litton, was struggling with mental illness and believed he was acting in “counter-measures” against the U.S. involvement in conflicts in the Middle East.

Litton, 56, gained access to the Feather River School of Seventh-Day Adventists in Oroville, California, under the pretense of wanting to enroll a fictitious grandson. He utilized a handgun to shoot and critically injure two boys aged 5 and 6. Authorities later found Litton deceased near the school’s playground.