Madison, Wisconsin school shooting: What’s known about the suspect

MADISON, Wis. - A deadly shooting at a Christian private school in Madison, Wisconsin, left three people dead, including the shooter, police said on Monday. 

Two of the victims included a teacher and one student. Six other students were injured and taken to area hospitals. 

"Today is a sad, sad day, not only for Madison but our entire country, where yet another police chief is doing a press conference to speak about violence in our community, specifically in one of the places that's most sacred to me as someone who loves education and to someone who has children that are in schools," said Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes.

What’s known about the alleged shooter? 

The shooter was a 15-year-old female student from Abundant Life Christian School. Police have identified her as Natalie Rupnow, who went by the name "Samantha." 

She was found deceased at the school. Police said the shooter apparently was dead by suicide when officers arrived. 

Police are working to determine Rupnow’s motive. Officers have talked with her family.

Area near Madison Abundant Life Christian School on Dec. 16, 2024, after news of an active shooter at the school. 

What’s known about the victims? 

Three people died in the shooting, including the alleged suspect, police said. 

One teacher and one student were among the deceased but no further details about their identities were revealed immediately. 

Barnes said of the six injured, two students are in critical condition with life-threatening injuries. Four other students are wounded – but their injuries are non-life threatening. 

What happened? 

A call came into police dispatch for an active shooter at about 10:57 a.m. local time, police said during a news conference on Monday morning. 

First responders who were in training just 3 miles (5 kilometers) away responded to the school for an actual emergency, Barnes said. 

Students were led next door to City Church where buses took them elsewhere to be reunited with families. 

Meanwhile, nine public schools in Madison were locked down for a few hours as a precaution.

Investigators also believed the shooter used a 9mm pistol, a law enforcement official told The Associated Press. The official spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the ongoing investigation.