Latest Update: At least three people, including the shooter, were killed, and six others injured in a devastating shooting at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison, Wisconsin, late Monday morning. Officials confirmed the fatalities and provided an update on the incident during an afternoon press conference.
Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes called the event a “tragic day” for the community and the nation. The shooting was reported at 10:57 a.m., prompting an immediate response from local law enforcement and emergency services.
“We know that three people have died, including the shooter, who was a teenage student at the school,” Barnes said. “The other two fatalities were a teacher and another teenage student.”
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Barnes added that two of the injured students are in critical condition, with life-threatening injuries, while four others sustained non-life-threatening injuries and are being treated at local hospitals.
While the shooter’s identity and motive remain undisclosed, Chief Barnes assured the public that detectives are working diligently to uncover details about the incident. “We are conducting a thorough investigation to understand the ‘why’ and prevent similar tragedies in the future,” he said.
Authorities have confirmed that the school building has been cleared, and there is no further threat to the community.
Emergency Response and Reunification Efforts
The rapid response by emergency personnel was critical. Fire Chief Chris Carbon detailed the deployment of 15 ambulances, five engine companies, and four ladder companies to the scene. “Our crews acted selflessly, transporting all injured individuals to hospitals within 15 minutes of the first call,” Carbon said.
A reunification center has been set up at the Dean Clinic on Stoughton Road, where parents and guardians are being reunited with students.
Chief Barnes, a former schoolteacher, expressed his personal connection to schools as “special places” and emphasized the need to ensure they remain safe spaces. “We owe it to our community to do everything possible to ensure safety,” he said.
The tragedy has shaken Madison and prompted an outpouring of support from local and county officials, first responders, and community members. “Our hearts are with and our arms are around everyone impacted today,” Fire Chief Carbon said.
Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway also addressed the community, expressing condolences and solidarity with the victims and their families.
Echoing national frustrations over repeated tragedies, Chief Barnes called for collective action. “Enough is enough. We must come together as a community to prevent incidents like these from happening again and again,” he urged.
Law enforcement officials have promised timely updates as more information becomes available. For now, Madison grieves as it grapples with the latest in a series of school shootings across the United States.
PREVIOUS UPDATE: Authorities have clarified details about the tragic shooting at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison, confirming that three people have died, not five as initially reported during an earlier media briefing. In total, nine people were injured, including the three fatalities.
In a new statement, officials urged parents and guardians to go to the Dean Clinic, which has been designated as the reunification center for affected families. Additional resources and support are being provided to those impacted by the tragedy.
Another media briefing is expected shortly, where officials will provide further updates on the investigation and ongoing efforts to assist victims and their families.
Previous Report: Madison Police Chief Shon F. Barnes addressed the community with heavy hearts on Monday, following a tragic shooting at Abundant Life Christian School that claimed three lives, including that of the suspected juvenile shooter, and left several others injured.
“At approximately 10:57 a.m., our officers responded to an active shooter call at Abundant Life Christian School here in Madison. Upon arrival, officers discovered multiple victims suffering from gunshot wounds,” said Barnes. “We train for situations like this regularly—the most recent commander-level training was just two weeks ago. Our protocols are clear: stop the killing, stop the dying, and locate the individual responsible. Officers executed these protocols with urgency and dedication.”
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Barnes confirmed that officers from across the county and state responded to assist. “Officers located a juvenile believed to be the shooter, deceased inside the building. They immediately began life-saving efforts for the wounded and ensured their transport to area hospitals.”
Barnes withheld further details about the victims, explaining that their families had not yet been fully informed.
“I want to thank all of our law enforcement partners, including the ATF, FBI, State Patrol, Sheriff’s Office, Monona Police Department, and fire department, among others, for their swift response,” Barnes said. “This is something we prepare for but hope we never have to face.”
The city quickly established a reunification center to assist parents, guardians, and loved ones seeking information about those involved in the tragedy. Madison schools were placed on lockdown as a precaution, though there was no indication of additional threats.
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Barnes commended the officers and first responders who worked diligently to ensure community safety. “We are methodically clearing the school, securing vehicles, and collecting evidence to confirm there are no further threats. This is a sad day for Madison and our country, and we must do better.”
Chief Barnes promised transparency and updates as more information becomes available. “We have some of the best officers and detectives in the country, and they are working tirelessly to piece together what happened. Another briefing is scheduled in two hours, and we will share additional details then.”
He concluded with a call to action: “We have to do better for our community, for our children, and for our future.”
Original Report: Authorities responded to a shooting at Abundant Life Christian School on the 4900 block of East Buckeye Road, in Madison, which occurred just before 11 a.m. on Monday. Multiple injuries have been reported, and the situation remains active.
The shooter is “down,” according to Madison police.
Law enforcement has asked the public to avoid the area as roads near the school are currently blocked off for the investigation.
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According to local reports, parents and students are being reunited at the SSM Health building near the intersection of East Buckeye Road and Stoughton Road.
As a precaution, other schools in the area including, La Follette High School, Sennett Middle School, and Elvehjem Elementary School have been placed on secure hold, according to a spokesperson for the Madison Metropolitan School District.
A secure hold means normal activities continue inside the building, but no one is allowed to enter or leave.
Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes is expected to provide an update on the situation at approximately 12:15 p.m. local time.
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