A tragic shooting at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison, Wisconsin, on Monday left two people dead and six others injured, just days before the school was set to close for the Christmas holidays. The small religious community is reeling from the devastating incident.
Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes reported that authorities responded to a 911 call about an active shooter at 10:57 a.m. Officers and medics, who had been training just three miles away, quickly arrived on the scene. “They left the training center immediately and came down here — and did in real time what they were actually practicing for,” Barnes noted during a press conference.
Upon arrival, police discovered multiple victims with gunshot wounds. A juvenile believed to be the shooter was also found deceased. The suspect is thought to be a student at the school, but authorities are withholding further details about the victims until families have been notified.
Nearby roads were shut down, and while officers secured the area, Barnes assured the public, stating, “We believe there is no ongoing threat to this community.” Other Madison-area schools were briefly placed on lockdown as a precautionary measure.
The K-12 institution serves about 390 students from 200 families. In an online statement, the school asked for community support: “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.”
The shooting occurred just before the school’s planned festive activities, including an upcoming “Ugly Christmas Sweater Day.”
Federal investigators, including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, are working to trace the weapon and uncover the shooter’s motive. President Joe Biden has been briefed, and White House officials are coordinating with local authorities to provide assistance.
This incident marks the 83rd school shooting of 2024, already surpassing last year’s total of 82. Of these shootings, 56 have occurred on K-12 campuses, while 27 were reported on college and university grounds. The year’s deadliest incident so far took place in Winder, Georgia, where four people lost their lives at Apalachee High School.