Female Teenage Shooter Kills Two, Wounds Six at Wisconsin Christian School
MADISON, Wis. – A 17-year-old female student opened fire at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison on Monday morning, leaving two people dead and six others injured just days before the Christmas break. Authorities confirmed the shooter, who was armed with a 9mm handgun, died from an apparent suicide at the scene.
Among the victims were a teacher and a fellow student, Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes said during a press conference. Two of the injured students remain in critical condition, while others suffered less severe injuries, with two already released from the hospital by Monday evening.
“This is a devastating day for our community. Every child, every person in that building is a victim and will carry this trauma with them,” Barnes said.
Chaos and Heroism Amid Tragedy
The attack unfolded shortly before 11 a.m. as students attended classes at the nondenominational Christian school, which serves approximately 420 students from prekindergarten through high school. When the school’s lockdown alert sounded, students and staff quickly responded, following protocols practiced earlier in the year.
Barbara Wiers, the school’s director of elementary and school relations, praised the students for their courage. “They knew it was real when the alert came, and they acted magnificently,” she said.
Emergency responders, who had been conducting training just three miles away, arrived at the school within three minutes of the initial 911 call. Police confirmed no officers discharged their weapons during the incident.
Children and families were reunited at a nearby medical facility. Parents embraced their children, many visibly shaken.
Shooter’s Motive Remains Unclear
The shooter, a 17-year-old female student, acted alone, authorities said. Investigators are speaking with her parents, who are cooperating with the ongoing investigation. The motive for the attack has not yet been determined, and it remains unclear whether the victims were specifically targeted.
Law enforcement officials are conducting a search of the shooter’s home and are analyzing the weapon used. Wisconsin law generally prohibits 17-year-olds from possessing firearms, raising questions about how the student obtained the handgun.
Chief Barnes urged the public to refrain from spreading unverified information online, warning that such actions could harm the investigation.
Community and National Leaders Respond
In a brief statement, Abundant Life Christian School requested prayers for their community. The school has not decided whether to resume classes this week but plans to offer resources for students and staff to process the tragedy.
Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers called the incident “unthinkable,” expressing sorrow for the lives lost and those affected. Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway echoed his sentiments, calling for stronger measures to address gun violence.
President Joe Biden also addressed the shooting, renewing his call for comprehensive gun reforms, including universal background checks and red flag laws. “We can never accept senseless violence that traumatizes children, their families, and tears entire communities apart,” Biden said in a statement.
A Nation Grappling with School Shootings
Monday’s tragedy adds to a grim tally of school shootings across the United States, with incidents in Newtown, Parkland, and Uvalde serving as somber reminders of the dangers students face.
According to recent data, firearms were the leading cause of death among children in 2020 and 2021, fueling ongoing debates about gun control and school safety measures. Despite nationwide efforts to reduce gun violence, many parents remain anxious as active shooter drills become a routine part of their children’s education.
As Madison mourns, the community grapples with the question of how to move forward in the aftermath of this devastating attack.
