A shooting at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison, Wisconsin, on Monday has left two people dead and six others injured, according to police. The suspect, a juvenile believed to be a student at the school, is also deceased.
Authorities initially reported a higher death toll but later revised the information. The suspect, who used a handgun, reportedly died at the scene. Victims’ injuries range from minor to life-threatening, police said.
Emergency responders arrived at the school following reports of an active shooter at 10:57 a.m. Local resident John Diaz De Leon described the chaotic scene, saying, “I never saw so many police cars in my life — just blue and red lights lining the school, lining the streets.” He added that he witnessed older students fleeing the building, while younger children were later evacuated in a more orderly fashion.
Students are being reunited with their families at a nearby SSM Health clinic. Abundant Life Christian School serves approximately 390 students from kindergarten through 12th grade.
State Superintendent Jill Underly called the shooting a stark reminder of the urgent need for change, stating, “We must do more to protect our children and educators to ensure such horrors never happen again.”
Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers expressed his support for the victims and the school community, writing, “We are praying for the kids, educators, and entire Abundant Life school community as we await more information.”
Senator Tammy Baldwin called the incident “heartbreaking,” while Senator Ron Johnson offered prayers and pledged to monitor developments. President Joe Biden has also been briefed on the situation, according to the White House.
