Who is Natalie "Samantha" Rupnow

The identity of the teenage girl who shot and killed a teacher and a student at a private Christian school in Madison, Wisconsin, on Monday has been revealed. Two other students are still alive.

According to the police, 15-year-old Natalie "Samantha" Rupnow of the K–12 Abundant Life Christian School brought a handgun to school and started shooting inside a study hall classroom at approximately 11 a.m.

Five additional students and another teacher were injured, and the adolescent student and teacher were declared dead at the scene. Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes stated Monday night that two of the students are critically injured and could die.

Rupnow sustained a self-inflicted gunshot wound and was pronounced dead on the way to the hospital.

According to social media accounts, Rupnow is the author of an alleged manifesto that promotes radical and hateful views. However, Barnes stated that police have not yet been able to verify the document.

How many school shootings have happened in the U.S. this year?

According to data from the anti-violence organization Everytown for Gun Safety, there have been at least 202 incidents of gunfire on school grounds in 2024 so far, resulting in 56 fatalities and 147 injuries. These figures do not yet include the recent shooting in Madison, Wisconsin.

The deadliest school shooting of 2024 occurred in September at Apalachee High School in Georgia. Authorities reported that a 14-year-old student, Colt Gray, opened fire with a semiautomatic, assault-style rifle, leading to the deaths of four individuals and injuries to nine others, including seven who suffered gunshot wounds. Following the tragedy, a grand jury indicted Colt Gray and his father, Colin Gray, on charges of murder and other related offenses. The father was accused of enabling his son’s access to the firearm. Both defendants have pleaded not guilty.

For context, school shooting incidents have been steadily increasing over the past few years. In 2023, there were 158 school shootings resulting in 45 deaths, while 2022 saw a higher toll, with 181 school shootings that claimed 67 lives, according to Everytown for Gun Safety's data.

These numbers underscore the alarming frequency of gun violence in schools, highlighting the ongoing crisis and the urgent need for solutions to address safety concerns on campuses across the United States.
shooting at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison, Wisconsin
The shooting at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison, Wisconsin

The tragic shooting at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison, Wisconsin, has profoundly affected the local community and beyond. The incident, which unfolded on what was expected to be an ordinary school day, has resulted in the deaths of five individuals, including the suspected shooter. The heartbreaking event occurred just days before the holiday season, adding to the profound sorrow of the affected families, students, and staff.

Shooting at Abundant Life Christian School

The weapon used in the shooting: Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes identified the weapon police found as a handgun. He said the gunfire was confined to one space. He didn’t specify whether it was a classroom.

Students from various grades were in a study hall when Rupnow opened fire inside a classroom.

According to Barnes, a second-grader in a nearby classroom called 911 for assistance as the gunfire broke out, and police arrived on the scene in roughly three minutes.

Investigators have been speaking with the shooter's father in an effort to ascertain a motive.

Who is the Shooter at Christian School: At Least 5 Dead, 7 Injured
Shooting at Abundant Life Christian School

The shooting occurred at approximately 10:57 a.m. on Monday morning after police received an active shooter call. Responding officers discovered multiple victims suffering from gunshot wounds and immediately began lifesaving efforts.

The school “was specifically organized to offer students academic excellence in a Christ-focused context,” its website says.

About 200 families representing more than 50 local congregations enroll their children at the school, which offers classes from kindergarten through 12th grade.

A firearm was found at the school

The police chief said that after the shooting, officers discovered a handgun at Abundant Life Christian School.

Barnes stated that the shooting was limited to a single area but did not provide further details about the weapon discovered. It's unclear if that area was a hallway or a classroom. According to the chief, the crime scene is under "lockdown."

Who is Shooter: a 17-year-old female student

According to a law enforcement official who spoke to The Associated Press, the shooter was a female student, age 17. According to Madison, Wisconsin, police, the gunman had reportedly committed suicide by the time they got there.

Police said the shooter was dead by apparent suicide when officers arrived. Barnes declined to give details about the shooter, partly out of respect for the family. With a few rare exceptions, a 17-year-old can’t legally possess a gun in Wisconsin.

Shooter's Parents

According to police, the suspect shooter's parents have been contacted by law enforcement.

The suspected shooter was a teenage student at the school, but that is all the information authorities have released about them. When police arrived on the scene, they discovered the suspected shooter dead and refrained from using their own weapons.

Police Chief Shon Barnes stated, "As tough as today is, that's still someone's child that's gone, that's still someone that has to deal with what happened today." "And so we want to make sure that we can ensure as much cooperation as we can."

Barnes stated that a medical examiner will determine the cause of death and declined to comment on whether the death was suicide.

Among the deceased is a juvenile, believed to be the perpetrator of the attack. Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes confirmed that no officers discharged their firearms during the response, and authorities believe the suspected shooter acted alone.

The alleged shooter was a student at the school and is believed to be among the deceased, according to Madison Police.

No officers fired weapons in their response to the shooting, Police Chief Barnes told reporters.

The juvenile shooter then killed themself, authorities said.

“The protocols are simple. Stop the killing, stop the dying, find out who’s doing this. The officers did that, and they did that adamantly”, Barnes said.

Deads and Injuries

Five people have been confirmed dead in the tragedy, including the suspected gunman. In addition, seven others were transported to local hospitals for medical treatment. Madison Police reported that injuries ranged from minor to life-threatening, although specific details about the victims—such as their ages or whether they were students or staff—have not yet been released.

Officers administered emergency medical care to the wounded at the scene before paramedics transported them to area hospitals. The identities of the victims have not been disclosed as authorities work to notify their families.

Madison Chief of Police Shon Barnes stated during the press conference that five people had died, but Madison Police later said in a statement that three people were dead.

According to the police chief, he would not yet confirm if the people killed and injured were school employees or students. Barnes stated that although he did not think there was any additional threat, police were conducting several sweeps of the school and nearby cars to be sure.

Community and Official Reactions

In a post on X, White House senior deputy press secretary Emilie Simons stated that President Joe Biden has been informed about the shooting at Abundant Life Christian School: "The President has been briefed on the school shooting in Madison, Wisconsin. Senior White House officials are in touch with local counterparts in Madison to provide support as needed".

During a press conference, Chief Barnes expressed deep sadness over the incident, calling it a "sad, sad day" for Madison and the nation as a whole. “Today is not just a loss for our city but a tragedy for the entire country,” he said, urging the community to come together during this devastating time.

Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers extended his condolences to the families of the victims and the entire Madison community. In a statement, he praised first responders for their swift and courageous actions during the crisis. "Our hearts are broken for the victims, their families, and all those impacted by this horrific event," Evers said. He also pledged to provide support to the community as it grapples with the aftermath of the tragedy.

Sen. Ron Johnson reacted to the shooting on X: "My sincere condolences and prayers for all the victims of the tragedy at Abundant Life Christian School. I will continue to closely monitor the situation."

The school posted a brief notice on its Facebook page: "Prayers Requested! Today, we had an active shooter incident at ALCS. We are in the midst of following up. We will share information as we are able. Please pray for our Challenger Family."

Ongoing Investigation

The Madison Police Department is continuing its investigation, collecting evidence, and interviewing witnesses to understand the full circumstances surrounding the shooting. Officers are still working to clear and secure the school campus, ensuring the safety of everyone involved. At this stage, police have not disclosed a motive for the shooting or whether there were any prior warning signs.

Chief Barnes emphasized that investigations of this nature are complex and take time to uncover all the details. “Our focus is on ensuring we have all the facts and providing answers to the community,” he stated. The authorities have also assured families of students that additional updates will be provided as soon as possible.

What is Abundant Life Christian School?

Abundant Life Christian School, established in 1978, is a private, non-denominational Christian institution that provides education for students from kindergarten through 12th grade, according to its official website. The school aims to integrate academic excellence with Christian values, fostering the spiritual, intellectual, and social growth of its students.

Located on a 28-acre campus, Abundant Life Christian School is part of the Impact Christian Schools network, which consists of three campuses in the Madison, Wisconsin area. The school currently serves approximately 335 students, offering a faith-centered education designed to prepare students for college and life beyond.

Who is the Shooter at Christian School: At Least 5 Dead, 7 Injured
Abundant Life Christian is a K-12 private school

The school prides itself on maintaining small class sizes to create a nurturing and personalized learning environment. Its website highlights a "warm and respectful atmosphere" where students are encouraged to thrive academically while developing their character and faith.

In addition to academics, Abundant Life Christian School provides a variety of extracurricular programs, including athletics, arts, and community service opportunities, aiming to cultivate well-rounded individuals. The school’s mission emphasizes building a Christ-centered community and equipping students to impact the world through their faith and knowledge.

The campus itself features modern facilities, including athletic fields, a gymnasium, and designated spaces for arts and spiritual activities, reflecting its commitment to providing a holistic educational experience. The school is known for its close-knit community, where parents, students, and teachers collaborate to create a supportive and engaging environment.

A Community in Mourning

The tragedy has left Madison residents reeling as they try to make sense of this senseless act of violence. Vigils and prayer gatherings are already being organized in the community to honor the lives lost and to support the survivors and their families. Local leaders are urging everyone to come together to help one another through this time of unimaginable grief.

In a broader context, the shooting reignites discussions about safety in schools and the measures needed to prevent such tragedies in the future. For now, however, the focus remains on mourning the lives lost and supporting those impacted.

As investigators work tirelessly to piece together what happened, the Madison community, along with the rest of the country, grapples with the deep emotional toll of this devastating event. More updates are expected as additional details become available.

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