At least two victims were killed Monday in a shooting at a private Christian school in Madison, Wisconsin, United States, while an alleged perpetrator who police said was a minor also died.
At approximately 10:57 a.m. (local time), police responded to an active shooter situation at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison, Police Chief Shon Barnes told media at a news conference Monday.
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When officers arrived, they found several victims with gunshot wounds and began rendering aid, “about seven” of whom were taken to local hospitals. Barnes said numerous officers in the area responded to the attack, adding that his officers had recently received training for a school shooting “about two weeks ago.” Police did not fire any weapons, he said.
Barnes said a “juvenile” suspect believed to have carried out the shooting was found dead in the building. Barnes did not comment on the ages or identities of the victims, and said police are in the process of notifying their families.
Calling it a “sad day for Madison and for our country,” Barnes later revealed that the alleged shooter was a “teenage student attending school,” though he withheld the person’s exact age and gender and noted that the motive was The shooter remains unknown.
Likewise, he announced that of the two victims who died, one was a teenager and the other a teacher. Two of the six injured victims currently being treated remain in critical condition with life-threatening injuries, he said.
Police are involved in an ongoing “reunification” process to ensure all students are present, accounted for and return to their loved ones, he continued. A local SSM Health clinic, part of a Catholic health care system, is providing space for family reunification, he said.
Abundant Life, a nondenominational elementary and secondary school founded in 1978, offers its approximately 390 students “academic excellence in a Christ-centered environment,” according to the school website.
Madison Bishop Donald Hying said in a statement to CNA that he is “deeply saddened by the shooting at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison and mourns the victims of this horrific act.” of violence.”
“We join the Abundant Life family and pray for the healing of those who are hurting and for the comfort of families facing the painful 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,” said Bishop Hying.
CNA also contacted the Wisconsin Catholic Conference for comment.
This article was updated at 5:33 pm ET on December 16, 2024, with additional information about the shooter and victims.
Translated and adapted by the ACI Prensa team. Originally published in CNA.
Jonah McKeown
Jonah McKeown is a writer and podcast producer for Catholic News Agency. He has a master’s degree from the University of Missouri School of Journalism and has worked as a writer, radio producer and videographer.