Crime
15-Year-Old Samantha “Natalie “Rupnow Identified as Suspect in Abundant Life Christian School Mass Shooting
MADISON, WISCONSIN: Authorities have identified the shooter involved in the mass shooting at Abundant Life Christian School as Natalie Rupnow, a 15-year-old female student who reportedly went by the name “Samantha.”
The incident, which unfolded just before 11:00 a.m. on Monday, has left the Madison community reeling as law enforcement continues its investigation.
In a harrowing detail, police confirmed that the first 911 call was made by a 2nd-grade student.
Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes provided the following updates during a press briefing:
Casualties and Injuries: Two individuals—a student and a teacher—were killed in the attack. Two other students remain in critical condition with life-threatening injuries, while four additional victims were transported to local hospitals for treatment.
The shooter, Natalie Rupnow, appears to have planned the attack in advance, according to a law enforcement official familiar with the case.
Investigators are currently reviewing personal writings and evidence suggesting that Rupnow had been struggling with personal challenges leading up to the incident.
Chief Barnes also confirmed that heavy police activity at a residence on Madison’s north side is directly tied to the investigation. The shooter’s parents have been fully cooperative with authorities as they work to piece together the circumstances leading up to the tragedy.
Barbara Wiers, an official from Abundant Life Christian School, praised the composure and courage displayed by students during the attack.
“The students handled themselves magnificently once it became clear this was not a drill,” Wiers stated.
She commended families for their support, patience, and kindness throughout the reunification process, which police confirmed has been successfully completed.
Wiers highlighted the strength of the school community’s faith and resilience, saying, “In spite of tragedy, God is working.”
At a news conference Monday night, Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes provided an update on the victims of the shooting at Abundant Life Christian School. He reported that two of the six injured individuals are in critical condition with life-threatening injuries. Both are students at the school, Barnes confirmed.
“A teacher and three students were treated for non-life-threatening injuries, and two of those individuals have already been released,” Barnes added.
Chief Barnes also stated that police do not intend to pursue charges against the parents of the 15-year-old suspect involved in the shooting.
“The parents are fully cooperating, and we have no reason to believe that they have committed a crime at this time,” Barnes said.
He emphasized that authorities are being careful to notify all family members of the victims before releasing names and ages.
“I think we want to make sure that all family members have been notified,” Barnes said, adding that it is equally important to ensure that families are comfortable with the names being made public. He suggested that additional details, including the victims’ identities, could be shared during a scheduled press briefing at 1 p.m. local time on Tuesday.
Abundant Life Christian School, a private K-12 institution serving approximately 390 students, does not currently have metal detectors in place. However, Wiers emphasized that the school has established security protocols to protect students and staff.
Earlier this year, the school participated in active shooter training in coordination with the Madison Police Department, a measure that may have contributed to the orderly response during Monday’s attack.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) is assisting the Madison Police Department in determining how Rupnow acquired the 9mm handgun used in the attack.
Authorities have not yet disclosed whether the weapon belonged to someone else or was obtained illegally, but further details are expected to be shared as the investigation progresses.
Chief Barnes announced that the next police press conference will take place at 9:30 p.m. ET, where additional updates on the suspect and investigation will be provided.
Authorities continue to urge residents to avoid the area surrounding the school while investigators remain on-site.
The Madison community continues to mourn the devastating loss of life in what was intended to be a joyful final week before the Christmas holiday. Officials and local leaders have pledged to provide support and resources to grieving families, students, and staff as the community navigates this tragedy together.
The investigation remains active, and further information will be shared as it becomes available.
MT. JULIET, Tenn. — Authorities have identified two victims killed during an active shooter incident at Cedar Creek Marina in Mt. Juliet late Friday night.
The suspect, identified as Gary Haley, a convicted felon with an extensive criminal history, is deceased following an officer-involved shooting, officials confirmed.
Mount Juliet Police officers were dispatched at approximately 9:30 p.m. Friday to the Cedar Creek Marina, located in the 9000 block of Saundersville Road, after receiving reports of a man threatening another individual on the docks.
Due to the active shooter report, a shelter-in-place order was issued for the surrounding area as a precaution.
Upon arrival, officers located an adult male suffering from a gunshot wound.
The victim was later identified as Robby Brogdon, who was transported to a local hospital for emergency medical treatment.
Despite life-saving efforts, Brogdon later succumbed to his injuries.
Investigators determined that the suspected shooter had retreated to a boat within the marina and had barricaded himself inside.
The standoff continued for several hours as officers secured the scene and attempted to resolve the situation safely.
At approximately 1:00 a.m. Saturday, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) reported that the suspect engaged responding officers and fired shots at them under circumstances that remain under investigation. Officers returned fire.
The suspect, Gary Haley, was later found deceased aboard the vessel.
During the course of the response, officers also discovered a second adult male victim, Nathan Jones, who had been shot by the suspect.
Jones was pronounced dead at the scene.
No law enforcement officers were injured during the incident.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has assumed responsibility for the investigation, which includes a homicide, an attempted homicide, and an officer-involved shooting.
TBI agents are actively conducting interviews, collecting evidence, and working to establish a comprehensive timeline of events.
Upon completion of the investigation, findings will be submitted to 15th Judicial District Attorney General Jason Lawson for review.
Authorities stated that additional information will be released as it becomes available.