CNA Staff, Dec 16, 2024 / 14:50 pm
At least two victims died Monday in a shooting at a private Christian school in Madison, Wisconsin, while an alleged perpetrator who police say was a child also died.
At approximately 10:57 a.m. local time, police responded to an active shooter situation at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison, Police Chief Shon Barnes told the media at a press conference Monday.
When officers arrived, they found and began administering help to multiple victims with gunshot wounds, “about seven” of whom were transported to local hospitals. Barnes said numerous area officers responded to the attack, adding that his officers had most recently trained for a school shooting scenario “approximately two weeks ago.” No weapons were fired by police, he said.
A “juvenile” suspect believed to have carried out the shooting was found deceased in the building, Barnes said. Barnes did not comment on the ages or the identities of the victims, saying police are in the process of notifying their families.
A second press conference with police is scheduled for later this afternoon.
Abundant Life, a nondenominational K–12 school founded in 1978, offers its approximately 390 students “academic excellence in a Christ-centered environment,” according to the school’s website.
Bishop Donald Hying of the Diocese of Madison said in a statement to CNA that he is “deeply saddened by the shooting that occurred at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison and mourn for the victims of this horrible act of violence.”
“We stand united with the Abundant Life family and pray for healing for those who are injured and comfort for the families who are facing the heartbreaking loss of a loved one. In these days leading up to Christmas, may the peace, love, and mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ be an anchor for all those affected,” Hying said.
This is a developing story.
Jonah McKeown is a staff writer and podcast producer for Catholic News Agency. He holds a Master’s Degree from the University of Missouri School of Journalism and has worked as a writer, as a producer for public radio, and as a videographer. He is based in St. Louis.
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