Crime
Madison Abundant Life Christian School shooter used a 9mm pistol
At least 3 individuals, including the suspected juvenile shooter, have been killed, and others injured.
Authorities have confirmed that three individuals, including the suspected shooter, are dead following a tragic shooting at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison, Wisconsin, on Monday.
Several others sustained injuries during the incident, which occurred in the final week of classes before the school’s Christmas break.
According to law enforcement, the suspect, described as a juvenile, opened fire on the school campus, killing two individuals before losing their own life.
Authorities have not yet released details about the victims as they work to notify their families.
Investigators believe the suspected shooter used a 9mm handgun during the attack, a law enforcement official disclosed on condition of anonymity, as they were not authorized to speak publicly about the ongoing investigation.
Early reports had indicated five fatalities, but Madison Police clarified that three individuals, including the shooter, are deceased. Police Chief Shon F. Barnes noted that discrepancies in early fatality counts are not uncommon in mass shooting situations, as investigators work to gather accurate information and assess injuries.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) is assisting local law enforcement, with agents on the scene supporting the investigation.
Abundant Life Christian School is a nondenominational private institution serving approximately 390 students from kindergarten through 12th grade, according to its website. The school is well-known in the community for its faith-based curriculum and close-knit environment.
Local and federal law enforcement agencies are actively investigating the incident, and authorities have urged the public to avoid the area surrounding the school. Families of students have been directed to a reunification center established at the SSM Health/Dean Clinic on Stoughton Road.
“This is an unimaginable tragedy,” said Chief Barnes. “We extend our deepest sympathies to the families and loved ones affected by this incident. Our officers and investigators are working tirelessly to determine what led to this senseless act of violence.”
Authorities have yet to disclose a motive for the shooting or additional details about the suspect. Police are continuing to process the scene, interview witnesses, and collect evidence.
The community remains in shock as they await further updates on the investigation. More information will be released as it becomes available.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Tallahassee Memorial Hospital (TMH) continues to treat victims of the tragic mass shooting that occurred Thursday at Florida State University, which claimed the lives of two individuals and left six others injured.
Hospital officials confirmed that several victims arrived with gunshot wounds to the chest and abdomen.
Three patients required emergency surgery.
As of 9 a.m. Friday, two of the victims were expected to be discharged later in the day.
Three others are showing signs of recovery, while one patient remains in fair condition.
All are expected to make a full recovery.
The two deceased victims have been identified as food service employees at FSU.
One of them, Robert Morales, was a campus dining worker originally from Miami-Dade County.
His family confirmed his death in a heartfelt message on social media, stating, “Today we lost my younger Brother. He was one of the victims killed at FSU. He loved his job at FSU and his beautiful Wife and Daughter.”
The second victim has been identified as Tiru Chabba, Regional Vice President for Aramark’s Southeast Division.
Chabba had been with Aramark for more than 25 years, starting as a student manager in 2000 at Coastal Carolina University and rising through the ranks to become a respected leader in collegiate hospitality.
In a company-wide message, Aramark expressed its profound sorrow over the loss:
“It is with deep sadness that I share the news that our beloved Tiru Chabba was a victim of the mass shooting today at Florida State University. For over 25 years, Tiru has been a part of the Aramark family. This senseless act robbed us of a valued colleague and friend, and a family of their treasured husband and father.”
“Tiru was a trusted colleague and a good, good friend. He was admired by colleagues and clients alike. I will miss Tiru badly. Simply put, I am heartbroken.”
Aramark also confirmed they are offering support to Chabba’s family and providing resources to employees processing the loss.
TMH expressed gratitude for the overwhelming community support shown to its emergency, trauma, and nursing teams, stating,
“We are honored to be the hospital providing care to these patients.”
The suspected shooter, identified as 20-year-old FSU student Phoenix Ikner, remains hospitalized with serious but non-life-threatening injuries.
Law enforcement officials have confirmed that Ikner is the son of a veteran deputy with the Leon County Sheriff’s Office.
In a press release Friday morning, Tallahassee Police Chief Lawrence Revell stated:
“Our hearts are with the victims, families, students, and larger Florida State University community in the wake of this tragedy. What occurred today was a heinous and despicable act of violence. Sadly, as a result of this shooting, two adult males were killed, and five other victims were injured by gunfire. An eighth individual sustained injuries while fleeing the scene.”
Chief Revell added that the crime scenes have been processed and that the investigation remains ongoing.
“TPD is committed to bringing justice to the victims in this case,” he said.
Florida State University will hold a vigil Friday evening at Langford Green to honor the lives lost and those affected.
Mental health resources and counseling services are being made available to students at the Askew Student Life Center from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The motive behind the shooting remains under investigation.