A heartbreaking shooting unfolded at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison, Wisconsin, on Monday morning, leaving two people dead and six injured. The incident comes just days before the school was set to begin its Christmas break, sending shockwaves through the close-knit religious community.
Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes explained that officers responded to an emergency call at 10:57 a.m., arriving to find several victims with gunshot wounds. A juvenile, believed to be the shooter, was also found deceased. Barnes noted, “They left the training center immediately and came down here — and did in real time what they were actually practicing for.”
Authorities have not released further details about the victims as they work to notify families. The suspect is believed to have been a student at the school.
While police assured the public there is no ongoing threat, nearby schools were briefly locked down as a precaution. The K-12 school serves 390 students and had planned holiday festivities for the week, including an “Ugly Christmas Sweater Day.”
In a statement, the school asked for prayers: “Prayers Requested! Today, we had an active shooter incident at ALCS. We are in the midst of following up. We will share information as we are able. Please pray for our Challenger Family.”
Federal investigators, including the ATF, are tracing the weapon used and investigating the shooter’s motive. President Biden has been briefed and White House officials are coordinating with local authorities.
This shooting marks the 83rd school shooting of 2024, surpassing last year’s total of 82. Of these incidents, 56 occurred at K-12 schools and 27 at colleges and universities. The deadliest school shooting of the year took place in Winder, Georgia, where four lives were lost.