CV NEWS FEED // The Catholic Diocese of Madison, Wisconsin, is praying and mourning for the victims of a shooting Dec. 16 at a local K-12 Christian school.
“We are deeply saddened by the shooting that occurred at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison and mourn for the victims of this horrible act of violence,” Bishop Donald Hying stated. “We stand united with the Abundant Life family and pray for healing for those who are injured and comfort for the families who are facing the heartbreaking loss of a loved one. In these days leading up to Christmas, may the peace, love, and mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ be an anchor for all those affected.”
The City of Madison Police Department reported at 12:48 p.m. that three people, including the shooter, have died and six are wounded following the shooting at Abundant Life Christian School (ALCS), which took place the morning of Dec. 16.
Madison Police Chief Son Barnes told local reporters that officers responding to the scene found the suspect deceased. “Evidence suggests the shooter died by a self-inflicted gunshot wound,” CNN reported following a Dec. 16 night press conference given by Barnes. CNN reported that police have identified the shooter as 15-year-old Natalie Rupnow. Police said the shooter was a student at the school.
According to CNN, Barnes told reporters that a second grade student at the school called 911 when the shooting occurred. Within three minutes of the call, a deputy with the Dane County Sheriff’s Office arrived at the scene, followed shortly after by the first responding Madison police officer.
One of the deceased victims was a teacher, and the other was a student, Barnes said, CNN reported. ABC 7 New York News reported that according to Barnes, the six injured victims are students, two of whom are in critical condition, and four of whom sustained non-life-threatening injuries.
The school, whose mascot is the Challengers, is asking for prayers for the school’s community, posting on Facebook: “Today, we had an active shooter incident at ALCS. We are in the midst of following up. We will share information as we are able. Please pray for our Challenger Family.”
Denver, Colorado, Archbishop Samuel Aquila urged everyone to pray, posting on X: “Let us pray for those killed and wounded at #AbundantLifeChristian School in #Madison WI – for the children, their families, the staff. Lord grant them the graces they need at this time!”
St. Ambrose Academy, a local private Catholic school in Madison, stated that its community is grieving and praying for all those at ALCS.
“Our two schools share a close relationship with sports, school dances, and many friendships,” the school said in a Facebook post. “The entire St. Ambrose school community grieves with all who have been affected by this tragedy. Our fervent prayers are with all the students, parents, teachers, and administrators at ALCS.”
Barnes told local reporters that the trauma experienced by those at the school will be longstanding.
“Every child, every person in that building is a victim, and will be a victim forever. These types of trauma don’t just go away. And we need to figure out how to piece together what exactly happened,” Barnes said. “Right now my heart is heavy for my community, my heart is heavy for Madison and we have to come together as a community and figure out what happened here, and make sure that it doesn’t happen in any other place that should be a refuge for students in our community.”
This is a developing story. It was last updated at 11:51 p.m. ET Dec. 16.
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