Wisconsin latest: Police identify deceased 15-year-old Natalie Rupnow as school shooter
The suspected shooter, identified as Natalie Rupnow, was a 15-year-old student at Abundant Life Christian School, police said. The motive is still unknown
The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday
Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US
Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US
Natalie Rupnow, a 15-year-old student, is believed to have opened fire at a private Christian school in Madison, Wisconsin, on Monday morning, killing a classmate and a teacher, police announced.
Investigators have not yet determnined a motive.
Police responded to reports of an active shooter at Abundant Life Christian School just before 11 a.m. and entered the building immediately upon arrival.
The suspected shooter was dead when police arrived, Madison Police Department Chief Shon Barnes said.
Six others were injured in the incident.
Two victims are in critical condition with life-threatening injuries and four others have non-life-threatening injuries.
Police recovered a handgun at the school.
The suspected shooter’s family is cooperating with police, the chief said. The motive is still being investigated, and the alleged shooter’s cause of death has yet to be officially determined, Barnes said, though police suspect the death was from a self-inflected gunshot wound.
President Joe Biden has been briefed on the school shooting, the White House said.
Barnes warned members of the public to rely on credible reports about the shooting and not to spread false information on social media.
Congress members react to school shooting
Tammy Baldwin, the Democratic Senator from Wisconsin, said she had been briefed on the school shooting: “My heart goes out to all those impacted. My office is in touch with local and state officials, and I stand ready to assist law enforcement and anyone affected.”
Wisconsin Sen. Ron Johnson also responded to the mass shooting: “My sincere condolences and prayers for all the victims of the tragedy at Abundant Life Christian School. I will continue to closely monitor the situation.”
Wisconsin Rep Derrick Van Orden also issued a statement in the aftermath of the tragedy: “I am shocked by the reports of a shooting at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison. Sara Jane and I are praying for the students, teachers, and families impacted. I will continue to monitor the situation as more information is released and am standing by to assist in any way possible.”