3 people including suspect dead in Christian school shooting in Madison, Wisconsin: police

At least two people were killed and six others injured in a shooting at a Christian school in Madison, Wisconsin, on Monday, police said.

The shooter, a 15-year-old female student, died on the way to a hospital of what is believed to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound, Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes said during a news conference on Monday night.

According to police, the shooting occurred in a classroom during study hall. The two people killed were a teenage student and a teacher. A second grader made the first 911 call. “Let that soak in for a minute,” Barnes said. 

Barnes declined to confirm a motive but said police were investigating.

At least six others were injured and transported to area hospitals: two students in critical condition with life-threatening injuries and four students with non-life-threatening injuries, police said.

Earlier, police erroneously reported that five people were dead, including the shooter, and five others were injured. Police updated the death and injury toll shortly after the initial news conference: “Three are deceased. Nine in total were injured, including the three deceased.”

Abundant Life Christian School is a private K-12 school located about five miles east of the Wisconsin State Capitol. Police have asked people to avoid the area. There are no threats to the community or other area schools at this time, Barnes said.

The suspect’s family is cooperating with investigators, Barnes said.

A handgun was recovered at the scene, officials said. Police did not fire their weapons when responding to the shooting, Barnes said.

“To be honest, I’m feeling a little dismayed,” the police chief told reporters when asked how he’s feeling. “So close to Christmas. Every child, every person in that building is a victim and will be a victim forever. These types of trauma don’t just go away. … My heart is heavy for my community. My heart is heavy for Madison.”

Barnes said he is not aware of any metal detectors at the school. He noted that because the school is private, it does not fall under the authority of the Madison Metropolitan School District.

In a statement on Monday afternoon, Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers said, “There are no words to describe the devastation and heartbreak we feel today after the school shooting at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison this morning.”

“As a father, a grandfather, and as governor, it is unthinkable that a kid or an educator might wake up and go to school one morning and never come home,” he said. “This should never happen, and I will never accept this as a foregone reality or stop working to change it.”

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.