By The Associated Press’s Scott Bauer
MADISON, WIS. (AP) — A police chief urged the public to share any information they may have about the 15-year-old girl who attacked a study hall before shooting herself, saying that the motive behind a shooting at a Wisconsin school that killed a teacher and a student and injured others seems to be a combination of factors.
Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes stated that bullying at Abundant Life Christian School would be looked into, but he did not provide any information regarding a potential motive.
At a press conference on Tuesday, December 17, 2024, in Madison, Wisconsin, Madison Police Chief Shon F. Barnes discusses the shooting that occurred at the Abundant Life Christian School on Monday. (Photo by Nam Y. Huh/AP)
According to Barnes, authorities are looking into writings that might have been written by Natalie Rupnow and might provide insight into her behavior.
Our main goal is to find a motive, but right now, it seems to be a combination of things, the chief told reporters.
For anyone who might have known the shooter and her thoughts, Barnes provided the number to a tip line.
Before a school shooting happens, there are always warning indications. “We’re investigating her internet behavior,” he stated.
Six people were injured in addition to the fatalities, including two students who are still in critical condition. A self-inflicted gunshot killed the shooter.
The Madison mayor and the executive of Dane County were left to deal with the media when Barnes spoke at a news conference but left before answering any questions from reporters. They refused to reveal the victims’ identities.
“Go away,” yelled Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway.
Following a shooting on Monday, people placed flowers outside Madison, Wisconsin’s Abundant Life Christian School on Tuesday, December 17, 2024. (Morry Gash/AP Photo)AP
There are about 420 students enrolled in Madison, the state capital, at Abundant Life, a nondenominational Christian school that offers prekindergarten through high school.
According to Barbara Wiers, head of elementary and school relations at the school, leaders constantly declare that safety procedures are being practiced as a drill. On Monday, the final week before Christmas break, that didn’t occur.
“They knew it was real when they heard, lockdown, lockdown,” she added.
According to Wiers, the school employs cameras and other security measures in place of metal detectors.
According to Barnes, authorities were examining the shooter’s house and speaking with his father and other family members, who were assisting.
According to court filings, the shooter resided primarily with her 42-year-old father, while her parents, who are divorced, split care of their child.
According to Barnes’ public statement on Monday, the first 911 call indicating an active shooter was placed just before 11 a.m. by a second-grade teacher rather than a second-grade kid.
According to a law enforcement officer who spoke to The Associated Press, investigators think the shooter used a 9mm pistol. Since the official was not authorized to discuss the ongoing inquiry, they talked on condition of anonymity.
KFF, a nonprofit organization that studies health-related issues, reports that in 2020 and 2021, firearms were the primary cause of death for youngsters.
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