MADISON, Wis. — Two people were killed and six others were injured when a gunman opened fire at a private school in Wisconsin’s capital city on Monday, authorities said. The suspected gunman, a juvenile, was also found dead inside the school.

According to Madison Police Department Chief Shon Barnes, officers were called to Abundant Life Christian School in Madison at about 10:57 a.m. CT.

“Today is a sad, sad day,” Barnes said during a news conference. “Not only for Madison, but for our entire country.

“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 school,” Barnes added. “I’m feeling a little dismayed now, so close to Christmas, every child, every person in that building, is a victim and will be a victim forever. These types of trauma don’t just go away, and we need to figure out, try to piece together, what exactly happened right now, my heart is heavy for my community. My heart is heavy for Madison.”

Wisconsin officials react to shooting

Update 2:38 p.m. EDT Dec. 16: Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers said he was “closely monitoring” the shooting at Abundant Life Christian School.

“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,” Evers said in a statement.

Dane County executive Melissa Agard said the Madison community “is reeling” after the shooting, WISC reported.

“My heart goes out to the victims, their families, the students, educators, and everyone affected by this unimaginable and unacceptable violence,” Agard said in a statement. “Dane County stands united in grief with the Abundant Life Christian School community. We are committed to supporting the school, its students, and their families during this devastating time, and will work closely with law enforcement and other first responders, mental health professionals, and community leaders to provide resources and care for those who need it most.
“No community should ever have to endure such a tragedy. My administration will do everything in its power to provide assistance in the face of this devastating loss. To all those grieving, please know that you are not alone. Dane County stands with you, and we are here to support you in any way possible. I have been in communication with the Governor’s office as well as the Mayor of Madison’s office and we will continue to update the public as we learn more.”

Wisconsin’s two U.S. senators also expressed shock and dismay on social media.

“My sincere condolences and prayers for all the victims of the tragedy at Abundant Life Christian School.” Sen. Ron Johnson said on X. “I will continue to closely monitor the situation.”

 “I have been briefed on the active shooting at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison and my heart goes out to all those impacted,” Sen. Tammy Baldwin wrote on X. “My office is in touch with local and state officials, and I stand ready to assist law enforcement and anyone affected.”

White House officials said that President Joe Biden has been briefed about the shooting, CNN reported.

People revise fatality count to 2 dead plus shooter

Update 2:12 p.m. EDT Dec. 16: In an update, the Madison Police Department said that three people, including the shooter, were dead after Monday’s shooting.

“During the media briefing earlier this afternoon, it was erroneously shared five were deceased,” police wrote. “Again, three people are deceased. Nine in total were injured, including the three deceased.”

Six people were transported to area hospitals with injuries.

School asks for prayers

Update 2:05 p.m. ET Dec. 16: In a Facebook post, Abundant Life Christian School asked for prayers in the aftermath of Monday’s shooting.

“Today, we had an active shooter incident at ALCS,” the school wrote. “We are in the midst of following up. We will share information as we are able.

“Please pray for our Challenger Family.”

Barnes did not provide information on the identities or ages of the victims. He did say that police believe the suspected shooter was a student at the school.

“My heart is very heavy right now, heavy for Madison,” Barnes said. “This is a ever-evolving situation. So there’s a lot of work that has to be done, and we’re committed to doing that work. We just ask for your patience.”

Abundant Life Christian is a K-12 school in Madison.

©2024 Cox Media Group