Teacher & student killed in shooting at Abundant Life Christian School
MADISON, Wisconsin — A shooting at Madison’s Abundant Life Christian School claimed the lives of a teacher and a teenage student. The accused 17-year-old female shooter has also died.
The police will not disclose any new information about the alleged gunman but will have an additional briefing at 8:30 p.m.
The police chief reported that students had been reunited with their families.
Barbara Weirs, Director of Elementary and School Relations, disclosed that the school does not use metal detectors but adheres to safety regulations. Weirs stated that the school held a practice school lockdown at the start of the academic year.
The News 3 Now team has spoken with witnesses, including a student. She remembered getting ready for lunch when she heard the gunfire.
The incident was reported at 10:57 a.m. at the school on 4901 East Buckeye Road, and officers arrived at 11 a.m. Several injuries were reported.
Madison police confirmed that a search of a north-side property on Monday afternoon was related to the shooting, but declined to say further.
Six additional people were hurt. Two of them are in serious condition, while the remaining four, one instructor and three pupils, have non-life-threatening injuries. Two of the four survivors were released from the hospital.
Madison police had previously said incorrectly that five persons were killed and five were injured.
Barnes stated that his department believes the shooter was a student at the school.
Roads around the 4900 block of Buckeye Road will be closed as law enforcement investigates.
Parents and students reunited at the SSM Health building near the intersection of East Buckeye Road and Stoughton Road.
“It is a little shocking. “You always see on TV that it happens somewhere else,” said Guy Nelson, who lives near the school. “You know, you feel horrible, but you don’t realize it until it’s right behind you. It is a block away from me. So this is my backyard, and it’s pretty scary.
A Madison Metropolitan School District official confirmed that nine district schools were placed on security hold as a result of the shooting. The hold was lifted around 1:15 p.m. MMSD classes will proceed as planned on Tuesday.
Governor Tony Evers issued the following statement after the shooting:
I am closely monitoring the event at Madison’s Abundant Life Christian School. We are praying for the children, staff, and the entire Abundant Life school community while we await more information, and we appreciate the first responders who are working rapidly to respond.
Evers has ordered flags to be flown at half-staff from now until sunset on Sunday in honour of the victims of the shooting.
He released a second statement Monday afternoon:
There are no words to explain the sadness and heartbreak we are feeling today following the school shooting at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison this morning.
Kathy and I join the people of Wisconsin in praying for the families and loved ones of those who were senselessly stolen. We also pray for the educators, staff, and the entire Abundant Life school community as they deal with the grief, pain, and loss of this heartbreaking event. We are also praying and hoping that everyone who has been injured survives and recovers.
Kathy and I remember the brave first responders who risked their lives to save others. This day will undoubtedly be difficult for them, but we appreciate their prompt response to the situation.
As a parent, grandpa, and governor, it seems unfathomable that a child or educator might get up and go to school one morning and never return. This should never happen, and I will never accept it or give up striving to change it.
Today, my emphasis is on supporting these families and children, as well as the Abundant Life community, and the state is prepared to assist them and local law enforcement during what will definitely be tough times.
Dane County Executive Melissa Agard also confirmed the shooting:
Today, our community is grieving from the sad and senseless incident at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison. My heart goes out to the victims, their families, students, educators, and everyone else impacted by this heinous and unforgivable crime.
Dane County joins in mourning with the Abundant Life Christian School community. We are dedicated to helping the school, its students, and their families during this difficult time. We will collaborate closely with law enforcement and other first responders, mental health specialists, and community leaders to provide resources and care to those who require it the most.
No community should ever have to face such a catastrophe. My administration will do everything in its ability to assist in the aftermath of this tragic loss. All individuals who are grieving should realize that they are not alone. Dane County supports you in every way possible. I’ve been in contact with the Governor’s and Mayor of Madison’s offices, and we’ll keep the public updated as we learn more.
SSM Health reported at 6:39 p.m. that it had treated four injured people. Two patients have been discharged, while two remain stable.
This is a breaking news story. We will update this page as additional information becomes available.
