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Emergency vehicles are parked outside the Abundant Life Christian School in Madison, where multiple fatalities and injuries were reported following a shooting on Dec. 16, 2024. |
Wisconsin School Shooting: Two Dead, Multiple Injured at Abundant Life Christian School
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A tragic shooting unfolded Monday morning at Abundant Life Christian School, a private K-12 institution in Madison, Wisconsin, leaving two people dead and several others injured just days before the holiday break. The suspected shooter, identified as a student at the school, also died, police said.
Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes, addressing the press, described the incident as a heartbreaking day for the city and the nation. “Today is a sad, sad day, not only for Madison but for our entire country,” he said.
Incident Overview
The shooting began shortly before 11 a.m., prompting a swift and massive response from law enforcement. Officers rushed into the school but did not fire their weapons, according to Chief Barnes. The shooter was found deceased, and investigators believe the individual died by suicide.
Preliminary investigations suggest the shooter, a student at the school, used a 9mm pistol during the attack. The incident left seven people injured, with injuries ranging from minor to life-threatening.
Community Response and Investigation
Law enforcement blocked off roads surrounding the school as federal agents joined the investigation to assist local authorities. A significant police presence was reported, with witnesses describing the area as swarmed with emergency vehicles.
John Diaz De Leon, a resident of the area, recounted hearing a barrage of sirens and witnessing law enforcement officers armed with long guns entering the school. He later saw groups of children being escorted into the adjacent City Church sanctuary.
Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers expressed his condolences in a statement, saying, “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.”
President Joe Biden has also been briefed on the shooting, according to the White House, and federal officials are coordinating with local authorities to provide necessary support.
A Community in Mourning
Abundant Life Christian School, a nondenominational institution with about 390 students, is now the site of profound tragedy. Families, educators, and students are grappling with the devastating loss, just days away from what should have been a joyous holiday season.
This tragic incident, coming amidst a wave of school shootings across the nation, has reignited conversations about gun safety and the need for comprehensive measures to prevent violence in educational settings.
As the investigation continues, the Madison community mourns the lives lost and hopes for the recovery of the injured.4o
