Madison, Wisconsin — At least three people, including the shooter, were killed, and six others injured on Monday morning during a tragic shooting at Abundant Life Christian School, a private K-12 institution in Madison, Wisconsin, authorities said.
The incident has left the community reeling as police continue to search for answers while families grieve just days before the Christmas break.
How the Shooting Unfolded
The Madison Police Department received a call reporting an active shooter at Abundant Life Christian School at 10:57 a.m. on Monday. Upon arrival, officers discovered multiple victims suffering from gunshot wounds, including two fatalities—a teacher and a teenage student.
The suspected shooter, identified as a juvenile student, was found dead on the scene. Police believe the shooter died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, as officers did not fire their weapons when securing the building.
Six others sustained injuries during the incident:
- Two students remain in critical condition.
- Four others, including three students and one teacher, were hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries.
- As of Monday evening, two individuals had already been released from the hospital.
Authorities confirmed that the shooting occurred within a single area of the school but did not clarify whether it took place inside a classroom or elsewhere.
The Suspected Shooter
The shooter was a student at the school and believed to have acted alone. While the student’s age and gender were not immediately released, Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes said the shooter’s family is cooperating with the investigation.
Investigators are still searching for a motive. “We don’t know why this happened,” Barnes said. “Our detectives are working tirelessly to gather answers.”
A 9mm pistol was likely used in the shooting, a law enforcement official told the Associated Press. Under Wisconsin law, it is illegal for a juvenile to possess a firearm without special circumstances.
Community Impact and Reaction
Abundant Life Christian School serves approximately 200 families and was founded in 1978 to provide “academic excellence in a Christ-centered environment.” The shooting occurred during the final week of school before the Christmas holiday, turning what should have been a celebratory time into a period of unimaginable grief.
The school shared a brief statement on Facebook, requesting prayers for its community. “We are in the midst of following up,” the post read. “Please pray for our Challenger Family.”
Officials and National Leaders Respond
The shooting prompted swift responses from local and national leaders:
- Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers expressed heartbreak: “We are praying for the kids, educators, and entire Abundant Life community as we await more information.”
- President Joe Biden was briefed on the incident. The White House said senior officials are in touch with local authorities and ready to provide federal support.
- U.S. Senator Ron Johnson and Representative Mark Pocan shared condolences and praised first responders for their swift action.
Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway also addressed the tragedy: “This is an incredibly sad day for our community. While there is no ongoing danger, the impact will be felt for a very long time.”
The Law Enforcement Response
A massive police response followed the initial call, with support from:
- The Dane County Sheriff’s Office
- The Wisconsin State Patrol
- Federal agencies, including the ATF and FBI
Police Chief Barnes thanked first responders for their quick action in preventing further casualties.
A Nation Grappling With School Violence
This tragedy adds to a devastating pattern of school shootings across the United States. Communities in Newtown, Parkland, Uvalde, and now Madison share similar pain, reigniting urgent debates over gun safety and school security.
President Biden reiterated his call for Congress to pass stricter measures, including universal background checks and red-flag laws, to help prevent further violence.
What’s Next
The investigation remains active, with detectives conducting interviews, obtaining search warrants, and gathering evidence to uncover what led to this devastating attack.
In the meantime, the Madison community has begun mourning the lives lost, supporting the injured, and searching for a path forward in the aftermath of yet another school tragedy.
