Natalie Rupnow, 15, Identified as Suspected Wisconsin School Shooter

The close-knit community of Madison, Wisconsin, is mourning after a tragic school shooting at Abundant Life Christian School.

The suspected shooter, identified as 15-year-old Natalie Rupnow, who also went by the name “Samantha,” carried out the attack on Monday morning during the last week of school before the holidays.

Details of the Shooting

The incident occurred at 10:57 AM in a mixed-grade study hall classroom on the 28-acre campus.

The shooting took place at the Abundant Life Christian School. Credit: Scott Olson/Getty

Students were preparing for festive activities like a holiday concert and Ugly Christmas Sweater Day, CNN reports.

Timeline of Events:

• Within three minutes, officers from the Dane County Sheriff’s Office and Madison Police Department arrived at the scene.
• Nearby medics conducting training responded swiftly to assist the wounded.

According to Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes, “When officers arrived, they found multiple victims suffering from gunshot wounds.”

Casualties and Injuries

Tragically, a teacher and a student lost their lives.

• Two injured students remain in critical condition.
• A teacher and two other students sustained non-life-threatening injuries, according to AP News.

The suspected shooter, Natalie Rupnow, reportedly died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound and was pronounced dead in route to the hospital.

Witness Accounts

Sixth-grader Adler Jean-Charles recounted the terrifying experience:

“We heard [the gunshots]. Some people started crying. Then we just waited until the police came and escorted us out to the church,” Adler told reporters.

His mother, Mireille Jean-Charles, expressed the emotional toll:

“Thank God they were safe. But the trauma … I’m sure they lost friends and teachers, which is not OK.”

Investigation and Reactions

Police are still investigating the motive behind the attack.

• Chief Barnes stated that Rupnow’s family is fully cooperating with authorities.
• A search of the suspect’s home was conducted on Monday, reportedly involving stun grenades.

A teacher and a student lost their lives. Credit: Scott Olson/Getty

In a statement, President Joe Biden said:

“It’s shocking and unconscionable. We need Congress to act. Now… Jill and I are praying for all the victims today.” (Independent)

This marks the 83rd school shooting in the United States in 2023, per CNN.

Featured Image Credit: Scott Olson/Getty.