By Soumya Karlamangla and Isabelle Taft
Authorities have identified the shooter responsible for killing at least two individuals on Monday at a Christian school in Madison, Wisconsin, as 15-year-old female student Natalie Rupnow, who subsequently died from what seems to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
The shooter, who used the name “Samantha,” opened fire in a study hall classroom filled with students from various grades at Abundant Life Christian School, as stated by Shon F. Barnes, the police chief in Madison.
Police responded after a second-grade teacher made a 911 call to report the incident, the chief noted. (Initially, he mentioned it was a student who made the call.)
A teacher and a teenage student lost their lives, while five students and another teacher sustained injuries, authorities indicated. When officers arrived, they discovered the shooter with a gunshot wound inside the school; she was declared dead shortly thereafter.
Barnes noted that it seemed there was only one shooter, and investigators are exploring potential motives. They conducted a search of the suspect’s residence in northern Madison and communicated with her family, who are cooperating with the inquiry.
The police chief refrained from detailing any motive, stating that investigators are continuing to uncover more information.
“We’ll take our time to ensure thorough investigation,” Barnes remarked.
It is noteworthy that young women are considerably less likely to be involved as suspects in school shootings. According to the K-12 School Shooting Database, this year, nine female suspects were identified in contrast to 249 male suspects.
Abundant Life Christian School has often functioned as a sanctuary for children who faced bullying or difficulties at other educational institutions, as the staff was quick to intervene against cruelty, remarked Rebekah Smith, 50, whose teenage daughter was in a nearby physics class at the time of the shooting.
Smith indicated that the school community believed the shooter was a newcomer this year, seeking a transformative experience. She noted that the school’s enrollment has surged significantly since the pandemic.
“There’s sympathy for the parent who thinks, ‘Perhaps this will benefit my child,’” Smith expressed. “I can hardly fathom what they must be feeling.”
Barnes confirmed that a handgun was recovered at the scene; however, the authorities have yet to determine the gun’s origin. The Madison police are collaborating with federal investigators to trace the timeline and location of its purchase.
“How does any 15-year-old gain access to a firearm?” Barnes questioned.
Barnes stated that two students suffering from life-threatening injuries are currently in critical condition at a hospital. Meanwhile, four individuals—including three students and a teacher—were hospitalized with less severe injuries, and two of them have already been discharged, he noted.
