Tragic School Shooting in Madison: Community in Mourning

A school shooting at Madison Abundant Life Christian School in Wisconsin on December 16, 2024, left three dead, including a student, a teacher, and the shooter, 15-year-old Natalie Rupnow. Six others were injured, with two students in critical condition.

Chief Shon Barnes confirmed the tragedy and praised the courage of a second-grader who called 911 during the crisis. “To me, it makes my heart skip a beat to think about that,” Barnes said.

Families shared their emotional experiences. Parent Bethany Highman, whose daughter attends the school, said, “I pray with my kids every morning that this won’t happen.” Eight-year-old Nora Gottschalk, who witnessed the attack, reflected, “I was really scared, and I was really sad.”

The community, known for its close ties, is reeling from the loss but shows resilience. Parent Brit Grange expressed empathy, saying, “My heart goes out to the families that aren’t that fortunate right now.”

As authorities investigate, the tragedy highlights the urgent need for safety in schools.