A 15-year-old female student opened fire at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison, Wisconsin, on Monday, killing a teacher and a teenage classmate before taking her own life, police confirmed. Four other students were injured in the shooting, two of whom remain in critical condition.
The shooting unfolded in a study hall shortly before 11 a.m., Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes said during a press conference Monday afternoon. A second-grade student made the initial 911 call at 10:57 a.m., and officers arrived on the scene within four minutes.
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“Let that sink in,” Barnes said, emphasizing the heartbreaking reality of a young child reporting such violence.
Barnes identified the shooter as 15-year-old Natalie Rupnow, who also went by the name Samantha. Rupnow was pronounced dead while being transported to the hospital, with authorities stating she died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.
The two fatalities included a teacher and another teenage student whose identities have not been publicly released. Four other students sustained injuries; two were listed in critical condition, while two others were treated and discharged.
Investigators are working to determine a motive for the shooting. Police have spoken with Rupnow’s family and conducted a search of her home Monday evening. Barnes noted that the shooter’s father is cooperating with authorities.
“He lost someone as well,” Barnes said, urging patience as investigators work to uncover more details.
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The incident has left the Madison community in shock, particularly in the final week before winter break. Medical personnel from SSM Health assisted with reuniting families at a nearby clinic, and law enforcement officials praised the quick response of emergency teams that likely saved lives.
“We’re going to do everything we can as a community to heal,” Barnes said, acknowledging the long-lasting trauma of the day’s events.
Authorities plan to hold another press conference Tuesday at 1 p.m. CST to provide updates on the investigation. Meanwhile, counseling resources have been made available for students, staff, and families impacted by the tragedy.
This shooting marks yet another devastating episode of school violence in the United States, reigniting discussions about school safety and support for youth in crisis.
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