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.”
Previous 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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