17-12-2024 (WISCONSIN) A devastating incident unfolded at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison on Monday when a 17-year-old female student opened fire, killing two people and leaving six others wounded in what authorities describe as a targeted attack.
The shooting, which occurred shortly before 11:00 GMT, resulted in the deaths of a fellow student and a teacher. Among the injured, two students remain in critical condition with life-threatening wounds, according to Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes.
The assailant, who was armed with a handgun, was later found deceased at the scene. Police confirmed they did not discharge their weapons during the incident, which took place at the 400-pupil facility serving students from kindergarten through year 12.
Heavenly Father,
We come before You in this moment of heartbreak and tragedy, lifting up every soul touched by this senseless violence at Abundant Life Christian School. Lord, we pray for the injured, that Your healing hand will be upon them. Ease their pain, guide the doctors… pic.twitter.com/AUvJT8fujb
— Charlie Charlie (@CharlieWrldTV) December 16, 2024
“The incident appears to have been confined to a single area within the school,” Chief Barnes told reporters at a press briefing. “The shooter’s family is fully cooperating with our investigation, though the motive behind this tragic event remains unclear at present.”
Authorities initially reported a higher death toll but later revised their statement. The shooting sparked chaos at the educational facility, prompting a massive emergency response and leaving parents scrambling to reunite with their children.
Bethany Highman, whose daughter attends the school, shared her harrowing experience: “Everything stops when you receive such news. Nothing else matters until you know your child is safe,” she said, having confirmed her daughter’s wellbeing via FaceTime.
The incident has deeply shaken the local community, with Chief Barnes acknowledging the long-lasting impact it will have on Madison. “Today marks a profound tragedy for our city and indeed the entire nation,” he stated, emphasising the need for community healing in the aftermath.
School administrators posted a brief statement on social media requesting prayers and indicating they would share additional information as it becomes available.
Police officials noted no previous warning signs had suggested the possibility of violence at the school, and investigations are ongoing to determine the circumstances that led to this tragic event.
