Two dead as teenager opens fire at Wisconsin Christian School

MADISON: A 15-year-old female student opened fire inside a study hall at Abundant Life Christian School on Monday, killing a teacher and another teenager.

The attack also left six others injured, prompting a swift response from police following a second grader’s emergency 911 call.

Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes confirmed that two students remain in critical condition, while a teacher and three other students sustained less severe injuries. Two of them were later discharged from the hospital.

The shooter, identified as Natalie Rupnow, was found with a self-inflicted gunshot wound and died en route to the hospital.

“This tragedy will forever impact every child and person in that building,” Barnes said. “We need to carefully piece together what exactly happened.”

Abundant Life Christian School, located in Madison, serves around 420 students from pre-kindergarten to high school. Barbara Wiers, the school’s director of elementary relations, explained that during safety drills, staff always notify students. However, this time there was no warning.

“When they heard ‘Lockdown, lockdown,’ they knew it was real,” Wiers said. She added that the school does not have metal detectors but relies on security cameras and other safety measures.

The motive behind the attack remains unclear. Authorities are investigating whether the victims were specifically targeted. Police are also in contact with Rupnow’s family, who are cooperating with the investigation. Barnes noted, “Her father lost someone as well. We won’t rush to conclusions and will proceed diligently.”

According to law enforcement officials, the shooter used a 9mm pistol. The first 911 call came in just before 11 a.m., and first responders, who were training nearby, arrived at the scene within three minutes.

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Roads around the school were blocked, and federal agents assisted local law enforcement. No shots were fired by the police during the response. Parents and children were reunited at a nearby health clinic.

Bethany Highman, a parent, recalled her immediate reaction upon learning of the shooting. “Your world stops. Nothing else matters—you just run to your child,” she said.

The tragedy sparked renewed calls for stricter gun control. President Joe Biden urged Congress to pass universal background checks, a national red flag law, and additional gun restrictions. “We must not accept senseless violence that shatters communities,” Biden said. He offered his support to Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers and Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway.

The incident adds to a troubling rise in school shootings across the United States, reigniting fierce debates over gun control. Despite devastating events like Newtown, Parkland, and Uvalde, legislative progress on gun reform has remained slow.

Abundant Life Christian School is still determining whether classes will resume this week. In a brief statement on social media, the school requested prayers for its students, staff, and families as they recover from the devastating attack.