2 killed, suspect dead in school shooting in Madison, Wisconsin, police say
CHICAGO (CBS) — Two people were killed and a suspect was found dead in a shooting at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison, Wisconsin, on Monday morning.
Just before 11 a.m. Madison police responded to a shooting at the private school located at 4901 East Buckeye Road. There was a large police presence at the school with multiple emergency vehicles in the parking lot.
Police said the two people who died in the shooting were a teenage student and a teacher. Near the end of the initial media conference, Madison Chief of Police Shon F. Barnes said that four people had been killed, but he later clarified that there were two victims.
Six other people were injured. Barnes said two students remain in critical condition with life-threatening injuries. Four students suffered non-life-threatening injuries.
Barnes confirmed officers found the teenage shooting suspect dead at the scene, and officers fired no shots. Police believe the shooter was a student at the school. Police said the suspect used a 9 mm pistol, and police are working to trace the gun.
The shooter has not been identified.
Police said the investigation into the incident remains ongoing. The school has been cleared, and there is no threat to the community. The FBI is working with local officials to obtain search warrants.
Police said parents and guardians should go to the Dean Clinic, 1821 S. Stoughton Rd., for reunification.
"Right now, my heart is heavy for my community," Barnes said. "My heart is heavy for Madison, and we have to come together as a community and figure out what happened here and make sure that it doesn't happen at any other place that should be a refuge for students in our community.
Residents have been asked to avoid the area, and roads are closed along 4900 Buckeye Road.
Governor Tony Evers released the following:
"There are no words to describe the devastation and heartbreak we feel today after the school shooting at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison this morning.
Kathy and I join the people of Wisconsin in praying for the families and loved ones of those whose lives were so senselessly taken and for the educators, staff, and the entire Abundant Life school community as they grapple with the grief, trauma, and loss of this gut-wrenching tragedy. We are also praying and hoping all those injured survive and recover.
Kathy and I are also keeping in our hearts the first responders who acted quickly and ran toward danger to help save lives. This day will no doubt weigh heavily on them, and we are grateful for their critical response efforts in answering the call when they were needed most.As a father, a grandfather, and as governor, it is unthinkable that a kid or an educator might wake up and go to school one morning and never come home. This should never happen, and I will never accept this as a foregone reality or stop working to change it.
Today my focus is on supporting these families and kids and the Abundant Life community, and the state stands ready to support them and the efforts of local law enforcement through what will undoubtedly be difficult days ahead."
Gov. Evers will be ordering the flags of the United States and the state of Wisconsin to half-staff across the state immediately until sunset on Sun., Dec. 22, 2024.
Abundant Life Christian School is a private school that serves about 200 families.
If you or someone you know is in emotional distress, get help from the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988. Trained crisis counselors are available 24 hours a day to talk about anything.
CBS News Chicago will continue to provide updates.