Another school shooting in the United States has claimed lives. Survivors, who reunited with their families hours later, described the ordeal as “super sad” and “really scary.”
A deadly shooting occurred at Madison Abundant Life Christian School in Madison, Wisconsin, on December 16, 2024. During the incident, a second-grader called 911 and later described the crisis.
The school acknowledged the incident on its Facebook page, asking the community for prayers and stating that an active shooter situation had occurred. They informed followers that they were still gathering details and would share updates when possible.
Police vehicles seen outside the Madison Abundant Life Christian School on December 16, 2024, in Madison, Wisconsin | Source: YouTube/ABCNews
Madison authorities later confirmed that a tragic shooting resulted in the deaths of a student and a teacher. The alleged shooter, 15-year-old Natalie Rupnow — who was known as Samantha — also died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound while being transported to the hospital.
In a news briefing, Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes revealed that the incident left three fatalities, including Rupnow, who was enrolled at the school.
Shon Barnes during a press conference | Source: YouTube/ABCNews
Investigators disclosed that Rupnow had premeditated the attack and had been facing personal challenges, which she documented in writings currently being analyzed by detectives. Officials have also started interviewing her family to learn more about her circumstances.
According to Barnes, a second-grader made the critical 911 call during the shooting. He expressed, “To me, it makes my heart skip a beat to think about that. We teach our kids if something is wrong to call what? To call 911, and so the child was able to do that.”
An armed police officer pictured outside the Madison Abundant Life Christian School on December 16, 2024, in Madison, Wisconsin | Source: YouTube/ABCNews
The law enforcement officer indicated that the student who called 911 was likely in a separate room from the shooter but responded swiftly and appropriately.
Additionally, Barnes emphasized the significance of preparedness, noting that the sound of gunfire is typically unmistakable. He pointed out how teachers promptly initiated lockdown procedures and how the students recognized and followed those instructions.
Residents spotted outside the Madison Abundant Life Christian School on December 16, 2024, in Madison, Wisconsin | Source: YouTube/ABCNews
When addressing parents, Barnes encouraged them to teach their children to follow the directions of the adults in charge, seek a place to hide, find cover, or use something to protect themselves. According to him, listening to the adults in the room is the most critical action during such situations.
The shooting took place during a study hall with students from various grades. Authorities reported that six individuals were injured during the incident.
The Police Fire Chief during a press conference | Source: YouTube/ABCNews
Two students remain in critical condition with life-threatening injuries, while three students and a teacher are expected to recover. Authorities also confirmed that two of those four have already been released.
That morning, as the events unfolded, Bethany Highman, a Madison native who attended Abundant Life Christian School as a child, recounted how she first learned about the shooting.
Bethany Highman pictured on December 16, 2024, in Madison, Wisconsin | Source: YouTube/WFAA
Highman, now a parent with a daughter attending the school, learned about the situation when her mother, who lives nearby, called to report a significant police presence in the area. Her mother urged her to remain calm, explaining that there was an active shooter at the school.
“She had like an inside source kind of tell her and I just bolted down [sic],” Highman explained. She rushed to the scene and called her husband. Unable to enter the school, the concerned parent went to her mothers house.
Bethany Highman during an interview | Source: YouTube/WFAA
Through her sister, she received updates and learned that her loved ones were safe. Although Highmans daughter was unharmed, she hadnt yet been reunited with her and was unsure of her whereabouts. Since her children, nieces, nephews, and sister attend the school, the news was alarming.
Highman reflected on the terrifying reality that many parents now face, “I pray with my kids every morning that this wont happen, and its the world that we live in.” Despite the tragedy, she took solace in her faith, expressing gratitude that her children and family were safe.
Parents and students finally reunited after the Madison school shooting, including the Grange family — siblings Gideon and Ezra with their mother, Brit. Minutes after reuniting, the trio shared their experiences in a joint interview.
Gideon recalled how the principal announced a lockdown amid the chaotic scene, “I didnt think much of it, but then it got like really serious and it was super sad. It kind of freaked everybody out.” When police instructed everyone to flee the building, Gideon left without his coat, describing the situation as “crazy.”
Gideon and Brit Grange during an interview | Source: YouTube/WISN12News
Meanwhile, Ezra, his sister, remembered hearing “gunshots and screaming,” during the incident which was “really scary.” Though she felt “terrified,” she assured the interviewer that she was feeling better. During the long wait to reunite, which lasted five to six hours, Ezra texted her mom through her watch to let her know she was safe.
Ezra Grange during an interview | Source: YouTube/WISN12News
Regarding the reunion, Brit expressed both relief and empathy, “I mean, theres no better feeling than knowing your kids are safe. My heart goes out to the families that arent that fortunate right now because we know them and love them.”
Among the young witnesses to the tragedy was 8-year-old second-grader Nora Gottschalk, who made the critical 911 call during the shooting.
Nora Gottschalk during an interview | Source: YouTube/9NEWS
She was in the hallway preparing for lunch when the violence began. In a separate interview, the youngster described seeing a teacher she knew who had been injured, “She was screaming, Ah! My leg! Help, help!
Clutching a SpongeBob candy, the student also reflected on her emotions during the ordeal, “I was really scared, and I was really sad.”
Nora Gottschalk recalls events from the shooting during an interview | Source: YouTube/9NEWS
Abundant Life Christian School, with around 420 students ranging from kindergarten to high school, is known for its close-knit community. Parents and administrators have long described the school as a place where everyone knows each other and bonds run deep.
This tragedy reflects the harsh reality that many schools face today. As survivors begin to heal, the support of their community will be crucial on the long road to recovery.
