A juvenile is suspected to have opened fire at a private Christian school in Madison, Wisconsin Monday morning, leaving “multiple” people injured.
Police responded to reports of an active shooter at Abundant Life Christian School just before 11 a.m. Monday. When they arrived, multiple people had been shot.
The suspected shooter has died and was believed to have been a student at the K-12 school.
Three people have died — including the suspect — and six others were injured, Madison Police said at 2 p.m., correcting its previous report that five had died.
The injured individuals were given “life-saving measures” at the scene before being transported to area hospitals, Chief Shon Barnes said.
It’s not clear how many of the victims were students as police are not yet releasing information about the victims.
Authorities are urging locals to avoid the area while the investigation continues. Parents and guardians should go to the Dean Clinic 1821 S. Stoughton Road for reunification.
President Joe Biden has been briefed on the school shooting, the White House has said. Senior White House officials are in contact with officials in Madison to provide support as needed, according to the White House.
‘I pray with my kids every morning that this won’t happen’
One mother whose children attend Abundant Life Christian School told Fox11 that she and her kids pray every morning that there won’t be a school shooting — and then oen happened.
“I pray with my kids every morning that this won’t happen,” she told the outlet.
“It’s the world that we live in. But God is good, God is gracious,” she said. Her children are safe.
Three people are deceased — including the alleged shooter — and multiple others are injured after a juvenile is believed to have opened fire at their own school.
The identity of the suspected shooter has not been made public and it’s not immediately clear how many of the victims are children.
Kelly Rissman16 December 2024 20:15
WATCH: Police say two killed, shooter dead at Wisconsin Christian school
Kelly Rissman16 December 2024 20:05
Who are the victims?
Police have yet to release any details on the two people killed and others injured in the Monday morning shooting.
“I’m not going to give any information about who the victims are, whether they’re students, staff or parents, because we need to make sure that we can notify people,” Barnes told reporters.
Katie Hawkinson16 December 2024 19:55
Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers responds to tragedy
“I am closely monitoring the incident at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison,” Evers wrote on X.
“We are praying for the kids, educators, and entire Abundant Life school community as we await more information and are grateful for the first responders who are working quickly to respond.”
Kelly Rissman16 December 2024 19:45
What have police said?
The shooting occurred at the Abundant Life Christian School around 11 a.m. Monday.
The alleged shooter, who is believed to have been a student at the school, died, Madison Police say. Details about the shooter and the victims have not yet been released.
“Today is a sad, sad day — not only for Madison, but for the entire country,” Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes said at a Monday press conference.
“I’m asking everyone to send your heartfelt wishes and prayers, and thoughts, yet again, to a community — but this time it’s my community,” he told reporters.
Kelly Rissman16 December 2024 19:39
Abundant Life Christian School asks for prayers in wake of tragedy
“Prayers Requested! Today, we had an active shooter incident at ALCS,” the private K-12 Christian school wrote in a Facebook post hours after a shooter opened fire at the school.
Three people, including the suspected shooter, have died and six others were taken to local hospitals, police said.
“We are in the midst of following up. We will share information as we are able. Please pray for our Challenger Family,” the school wrote.
Kelly Rissman16 December 2024 19:30
Gun safety groups react to yet another school shooting
“Terrifying and heartbreaking news out of Madison, Wisconsin. We shouldn’t have to live like this. We deserve to live free from the terror of gun violence. We will fight to end it,” March for Our Lives wrote on X.
Sandy Hook Promise similarly wrote: “Our hearts are with Madison, Wisconsin as this tragic story unfolds. We cannot allow this to keep happening. We must #EndGunViolence.”
Kelly Rissman16 December 2024 19:25
Did the suspected shooter attend the school?
Chief Barnes revealed the suspected shooter is believed to have attended Abundant Life Christian School.
The private school, founded in 1978, has roughly 400 students. The school’s website describes it as “a community Christian school with the vision of providing academic excellence in a Christ-centered environment for families in the greater Dane County area.”
Katie Hawksinson has the full story.
Kelly Rissman16 December 2024 19:15
Three people are deceased, including the shooter: police correct earlier report
“At this time, three people are deceased. During the media briefing earlier this afternoon, it was erroneously shared 5 were deceased. Again, three people are deceased. Nine in total were injured, including the three deceased,” Madison Police said in a social media update around 2 p.m.
They also urged parents and guardians should go to the Dean Clinic 1821 S. Stoughton Road for reunification.
Kelly Rissman16 December 2024 19:10
Congress members react to school shooting
Tammy Baldwin, the Democratic Senator from Wisconsin, said she had been briefed on the school shooting: “My heart goes out to all those impacted. My office is in touch with local and state officials, and I stand ready to assist law enforcement and anyone affected.”
Wisconsin Sen. Ron Johnson also responded to the mass shooting: “My sincere condolences and prayers for all the victims of the tragedy at Abundant Life Christian School. I will continue to closely monitor the situation.”
Wisconsin Rep Derrick Van Orden also issued a statement in the aftermath of the tragedy: “I am shocked by the reports of a shooting at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison. Sara Jane and I are praying for the students, teachers, and families impacted. I will continue to monitor the situation as more information is released and am standing by to assist in any way possible.”
Kelly Rissman16 December 2024 19:05