A school shooting in Madison, Wisconsin, on Monday resulted in the death of at least two individuals and injuries to six others. The suspected shooter was also found dead at the scene, according to police reports.
The incident took place at the Abundant Life Christian School around 10:57 am local time when authorities received reports of an active shooter. Upon arrival, law enforcement discovered a deceased individual described as a “juvenile,” believed to be the perpetrator. Local residents have been advised to steer clear of the area as investigations continue.
Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes disclosed that the casualties included two individuals apart from the shooter who lost their lives, while six others sustained injuries and were promptly taken to a nearby medical facility. It was not clarified whether the deceased victims were students or staff members by Barnes.
He said officers did not fire their weapons when responding to the scene.
Emergency vehicles are parked outside the Abundant Life Christian School in Madison, Wisconsin, where multiple injuries were reported following a shooting on Monday, Dec. 16, 2024. (AP Photo/Scott Bauer)
“This is something you prepare for, but that you hope you never have to do,” a police spokesman told reporters. “Today is a sad, sad day.”
Barnes clarified that the injuries range from “minor to life-threatening.”
Police went on to say that they train for active shooter situations “almost quarterly,” and that they had most recently conducted the training roughly two weeks ago.
“The Madison Police Department is investigating a shooting at Abundant Life Christian School. Multiple injuries have been reported. This remains an active and ongoing investigation. More information will be released as it is available,” police said in a statement.
Abundant Life Christian School in Madison, Wis., where multiple injuries and deaths were reported following a shooting, Monday, Dec. 16, 2024. (Google Maps)
“We currently need people to avoid the area,” police added.
Students have been fully evacuated from the school, and police have conducted multiple clears of the building. Barnes said they were conducting a third check using bomb-sniffing dogs “just in case.”
Police say they set up a unification center for students and parents immediately following the shooting.
The school also acknowledged the shooting in a post on Facebook, requesting prayers from the community.
“Prayers Requested! Today, we had an active shooter incident at ALCS. We are in the midst of following up. We will share information as we are able. Please pray for our Challenger Family,” the school wrote.
Emergency vehicles are parked outside the Abundant Life Christian School in Madison, Wisconsin, where multiple injuries were reported following a shooting on Monday, Dec. 16, 2024. (AP Photo/Scott Bauer)
The FBI’s Milwaukee bureau says it has deployed agents to the scene to assist in investigating.
The White House has also confirmed that President Biden has been briefed on the shooting.
This is a developing story. Check back soon for updates.
