Authorities are currently probing the suspected shooter’s intentions. This investigation follows revelations that she allegedly orchestrated the attack at her school.
A teenage student carried out a shooting at Abundant Life Christian School (ALCS) on December 16, 2024, in Madison, Wisconsin. She killed a teacher and a fellow student and left at least six others injured.
The shooting reportedly took place during a study hall with students from multiple grades. Alarms soon sounded throughout the building. “Everybody started freaking out,” revealed sixth-grader Breken Ives, who was shocked by the intercom announcement. “Lockdown. This is not a drill.”
Breken’s teacher acted swiftly, instructing the students to hide in a corner, out of view from the door. While sheltering, he heard gunshots and screams echoing from the hallway.
As chaos continued, younger children also faced terrifying moments. Eight-year-old Nora Gottschalk, a second grader, was in the hallway preparing for lunch when the shooting erupted.
Barnes urged people to set aside personal biases and avoid spreading misinformation online, stating that such details were of no consequence so soon after a mass shooting.
Meanwhile, the deceased’s parents are cooperating with the investigation, offering valuable insights into their daughter’s life as authorities work to understand the events leading up to the incident.
“Despite this tragedy, they still lost a child. They still lost a member of their family,” Barnes explained, acknowledging the parents likely have more questions than anyone else. Investigators have spoken with Rupnow’s father, while her mother, who has been out of town, has yet to be questioned.
Police discovered that Rupnow had meticulously planned the attack after finding a manifesto detailing her intentions during a search of her home.
Footage from the scene showed a house decorated with Christmas lights, surrounded by police tape, with the front door removed and windows damaged. Neighbors reported that officers arrived shortly after the shooting and remained on-site until nightfall.
According to witnesses, police deployed stun grenades during the search, creating bright flashes and loud bangs. Steve Porter, a neighbor, described the scene, noting the absence of residents and detectives working to process evidence inside the home.
For many, ALCS served as a refuge for students who had faced challenges elsewhere. With around 400 students from kindergarten through 12th grade, the private school was known for swiftly addressing bullying and fostering a supportive environment.
Rebekah Smith, whose daughter was in a nearby classroom during the shooting, mentioned that Rupnow appeared to be a new student, possibly seeking a fresh start. She expressed sympathy for parents who hope such a change will help their child, saying she couldn’t imagine what they must be feeling.
A police officer photographed in front of Abundant Life Christian School on December 16, 2024, in Madison, Wisconsin. | Source: Getty Images
The tragic events at ALCS have left a community grappling with grief, unanswered questions, and the challenge of healing. As families, students, and staff process the aftermath, the hope for compassion, understanding, and lasting support remains essential.
