Current findings on the shooting incident at Abundant Life Christian School in Wisconsin

A teacher and a student were killed at a private school in Wisconsin on Monday after a person authorities identified as a teenage student at Abundant Life Christian School opened fire.

Six people were injured, and the suspected shooter, a 15-year-old female student, was killed, Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes told reporters.

Follow for live coverage.

Here’s what we know about the shooting:

When did the shooting happen?

Authorities were dispatched to a report of an active shooter at Abundant Life Christian School, east of downtown Madison, at 10:57 a.m., Barnes said. The 911 call was made from Abundant Life, he said. 

At the time of the shooting, Barnes said, officers had been training to respond to similar scenarios.

“So what began as a training day became an actual thing,” he said. 

Law enforcement responding to report of school shooter at Madison Abundant Life Christian School in Madison, Wisc., on Dec. 16, 2024.
Law enforcement officers respond to a report of a school shooter at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison, Wis., on Monday.

Where did the shooting happen?

The private school, east of downtown Madison, was founded in 1978 and teaches kindergarten through 12th grade to roughly 335 students.

It is not clear whether the shooting was in a classroom or a hallway, Barnes said, but it was confined to one space.

The crime scene remained on lockdown, he said.

Who are the victims?

A teenage student and a teacher were fatally shot, Barnes said. He has not provided additional details about them.

Two of the injured students are in critical condition, and four were recovering from non-life-threatening injuries, he said.

Image: Multiple People Shot And Killed At Abundant Life Christian School In Madison, Wisconsin
The Abundant Life Christian School campus after the shooting.Andy Manis / Getty Images

Who is the shooter?

Barnes identified the suspected shooter as a 15-year-old female student at Abundant Life. He did not provide a manner of death or a possible motive.

The shooter died of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound, Barnes said. She died en route to a hospital, the chief said. The county medical examiner will make an official determination of the cause and manner of death, he said.

Investigators have talked to the shooter’s family and searched the home, Barnes said. Her parents are “fully cooperating,” Barnes said.

A handgun was recovered, said Barnes, who did not provide additional details about it.

How are officials responding?

Hours after the shooting, President Joe Biden pressed Congress to pass gun reform legislation, including universal background checks and a ban on assault weapons and high-capacity magazines.

“From Newtown to Uvalde, Parkland to Madison, to so many other shootings that don’t receive attention — it is unacceptable that we are unable to protect our children from this scourge of gun violence,” Biden said in a statement. “We cannot continue to accept it as normal.”

Image: Multiple People Shot And Killed At Abundant Life Christian School In Madison, Wisconsin
Students are escorted from a church next to school.Scott Olson / Getty Images

Rep. Mark Pocan, D-Wis., said: “Thoughts and prayers without action means more school shootings, more dead kids. More ACTION is needed by our elected officials. He also provided location details for a reunification site and a phone number for people who need help.

Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Wis., offered his “condolences and prayers for all the victims of the tragedy at Abundant Life Christian School.”

He said he would continue to closely monitor the situation.

Read More

Latest

Newsletter

Don't miss

5 Business Ideas Worth Starting in 2026

If there is one thing Nigerians understand well, it is how to spot opportunity inside hardship. In 2026, that mindset will matter more than ever. The economy is tough, competition is rising, and many people are looking for smarter ways to earn, build, and survive. But even in a difficult environment, some businesses still stand

Getting a business loan now comes with a frequent flyer upside

Australian fintech Prospa has partnered with Qantas Business Rewards, letting eligible SMEs earn up to 500,000 points per loan. What’s happening: Australian fintech lender Prospa has partnered with Qantas Business Rewards to allow eligible small and medium business owners to earn up to 500,000 Qantas Points per loan when taking out a Prospa Small Business

Why I went into real estate business years ago – Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo explains

Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo is one of the respected men of God in Nigeria. He is a global player. The headquarters of his church. KICC is in the UK. And he has run the church for years. Many don’t know that he is also a big real estate player both in London & Nigeria. He is the