School Shooter Was a 17-Year-Old Female Student
What we know about the shooting at school (Update):
• Today, a shooting at Madison, Wisconsin's Abundant Life Christian School left at least three people dead.
• According to the police, one of the deceased is a young student who is thought to have been the shooter. The alleged shooter was a pupil at the educational institution.
• 6 individuals were taken from the scene to hospitals.
• A teacher and a teenaged student were killed in the shooting, police said. Two students are in critical condition.
• Students in grades K–12 are taught at the school.
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| 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.
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| 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 schoolThe 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.
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.
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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