Wisconsin School Shooter Had 2 Handguns

What is a 9mm Pistol That Natalie Rupnow Used for Shooting

What is the Origin of the Handgun Used by Natalie Rupnow?

Investigators believe the school shooter had 2 handguns

The tragic school shooting at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison, Wisconsin, on December 16, continues to leave the community grappling with unanswered questions. New details reveal that the shooter, 15-year-old Natalie “Samantha” Rupnow, carried two handguns into the school but used only one in the attack that claimed the lives of Rubi Patricia Vergara, a 14-year-old freshman, and an unnamed teacher. Six others were wounded in the incident before Rupnow turned the gun on herself.

Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes spoke in an interview on Wednesday, shedding light on the ongoing investigation and the efforts to determine the shooter’s motive.

The Victims: A Community in Mourning

Rubi Patricia Vergara

Rubi Patricia Vergara was remembered in an obituary released Wednesday as a talented and compassionate young girl. A freshman at Abundant Life Christian School, Rubi was described as an “avid reader” who loved art, singing, and playing keyboard in her family’s worship band. She also shared a special bond with her pets, Ginger the cat and Coco the dog.

Her passing has left her family devastated. Stacy Remus, a family member, shared on social media: “This is our beautiful Rubi Vergara, our niece who was killed in Monday’s school shooting... Rubi, there are very few words to express how our hearts are broken. We love you and miss you.”

The teacher who died in the attack has not yet been publicly identified.

The Shooter: A Troubling Profile

Natalie “Samantha” Rupnow, the shooter, was identified shortly after the attack. While she carried two handguns, only one was used in the shooting. Investigators, with the help of the FBI, are scouring online records, speaking with classmates, and interviewing her parents to piece together her motives.

Rupnow’s parents, Jeffrey and Mellissa Rupnow, are cooperating fully with the investigation, police said. Court documents show that Natalie primarily lived with her father after her parents’ divorce and had undergone therapy in 2022, though the reasons remain undisclosed.

Police Chief Barnes stated, “I do not know if she planned it that day or if she planned it a week prior. Bringing a gun to school to hurt people is planning. We don’t know what the premeditation is.”

Authorities have yet to determine how Rupnow obtained the firearms and whether her parents may face charges.

Investigative Challenges and Transparency

The investigation has faced criticism for limited transparency and miscommunication. Early reports inaccurately stated the number of deaths and details of the 911 call. The Madison Police Department has since defended its cautious approach, emphasizing the need to balance public information with investigative integrity.

Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway strongly rebuked reporters during a press conference, urging them to respect the privacy of the victims’ families. “It is absolutely none of y’all’s business who was harmed in this incident,” she said.

Experts have weighed in on the importance of maintaining credibility during such investigations. Tamrin Olden, a former police spokesperson, advised, “Routine updates with factual information are crucial. Delayed or unclear communication can frustrate the community and undermine trust.”

Rare Nature of Female School Shooters

The rarity of school shootings involving female perpetrators has drawn attention from experts. According to David Riedman, founder of the K-12 School Shooting Database, incidents involving teenage girls are exceedingly uncommon.

Criminologist Emily Salisbury suggested that Rupnow’s actions might stem from severe trauma or violence she experienced, compounded by mental health struggles. “It’s a very high probability she experienced some sort of violence in her life that can lead to serious mental illness,” Salisbury said.

Bullying, Mental Health, and Online Culture

Despite Abundant Life’s religious framework, experts caution against assuming its students were immune to bullying or social pressures. “Kids create their own culture through social media,” Salisbury noted. Online harassment and exclusion can exacerbate mental health issues, potentially leading to violent outcomes.

A Community Searches for Healing

The Abundant Life Christian School community, consisting of approximately 420 students from pre-kindergarten through high school, has been left reeling. The tragedy joins a growing list of school shootings across the U.S., sparking renewed conversations about gun control, mental health resources, and school safety.

Chief Barnes promised continued efforts to provide answers to the public. “We may never know what she was thinking that day, but we’ll do our best to add or give as much information as possible,” he said.

As investigations proceed, the Madison community seeks solace in mourning the victims and supporting those injured in the attack. Families and authorities alike are left grappling with the pain of a senseless act and searching for ways to prevent such tragedies in the future.

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