2 killed, suspect dead in school shooting in Madison, Wisconsin, police say
MADISON, Wis. (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 the mass shooting at the private school located at 4901 E. Buckeye Rd. on the east side of Madison.
Madison Chief of Police Shon F. Barnes said a second-grade student called 911 at 10:57 a.m. to report the shooting.
The shooting took place inside a classroom and study hall occupied by students in various grades, Barnes said.
The shooter has been identified as 15-year-old Natalie Rupnow, a student at the school who lived in Madison and went by the name Samantha. It is believed she died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound after opening fire in the school.
Police said the two people who died in the shooting were a teenage student and a teacher.
According to Pastor Chris Dolson, who was speaking at a vigil for the victims on Monday night, the teacher who was killed may have been a substitute.
"There's a woman who called in sick today. She's a teacher. And there was a substitute that came in to take her place that was shot and killed," Dolson said. "Survivor guilt kicks in when those things happen."
CBS News has not independently confirmed the teacher's identity.
Five other students and another teacher were injured. Two of the wounded students remained in critical condition with life-threatening injuries Monday night, Barnes said.
The surviving teacher and three other students were treated for non-life-threatening injuries, and two of those victims have been released, while the other two have been stabilized, Barnes said.
Barnes confirmed officers found the teenage shooting suspect at the scene apparently having shot herself, and officers fired no shots. Police said the suspect used a 9 mm pistol, and police were working to trace the gun.
Rupnow was pronounced dead while being taken to the hospital, Barnes said.
All surviving students were reunited with their loved ones in the hours after the shooting, officials said.
As police searched for a motive late Monday, the FBI was working with local law enforcement to process the scene, conduct interviews, and obtain search warrants.
CBS News Chicago is told the suspected shooter's family is cooperating with police.
"Right now, my heart is heavy for my community," Barnes said earlier Monday. "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."
Mireille Jean-Charles is the mother of three boys who attend Abundant Life Christian School. She spoke with Meryl Hubbard, a reporter for CBS affiliate WISC-TV in Madison.
"It's sad, you know, to be home and then somebody calls you and says your kids' school in lockdown—and you don't know where they are. And I was there since 11. I finally got them, and thank God they were safe," Jean-Charles said. "But the trauma—it's a lot, because I'm sure they lost friends and a teacher, which is not OK. And I don't think they will be OK for a long time, and I'm not."
As reported by WISC, school director of elementary and school relations Barbara Weirs said the school does not have metal detectors, but does follow safety protocols. Weirs said the school held a practice lockdown at the beginning of the current academic year, the station reported.
"We've joked around about how safe a 400-student-bodied school—Christian private school—is, right?" a man said. "If it can happen here, it can literally happen anywhere."
Hours after the shooting, several officers were seen removing the door from a Madison home in a search Chief Barnes said was connected to the investigation.
"Our detectives are working hard in the investigative process to find out as many answers as we can so that we can further prevent these things from happening—not only in this community, but in other communities around our country," Barnes said.
Dave Wagner is the former principal of the school.
"My heart grieves beyond words with them," Wagner said. "I know the principal. I know several of the teachers. They're going to be impacted for their life by the tragedy of this day.
Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers released the following statement:
"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.
Abundant Life Christian School is a private, nondenominational religious school that serves just under 400 students from kindergarten through 12th grade.
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.
